In November of 2015, Michael Romero was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was given 2 years to live.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare disease that mainly involves the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. Voluntary muscles produce movements like walking, breathing and talking.
ALS causes a gradual deterioration and death of motor neurons. Motor neurons extend from the brain to the spinal cord and to muscles throughout the body. These motor neurons initiate and provide vital communication links between the brain and the voluntary muscles. These messages are passed back and forth via the spinal cord.
ALS Fact Sheet
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological disease which impacts motor neurons that are involved in muscle movement throughout the body.
Michael experienced his first symptom in early 2014. On average, a person diagnosed with this disease lives between 3 -5 years from when the first symptom is detected. ALS progresses at different rates with different people, with some living five, 10 or more years.
Michael who was also once a passionate golfer, had to let go of his successful construction company and is finding it increasingly difficult to carry out everyday tasks like walking and even eating.
Symptoms of ALS vary from one person to another, and can include tripping, dropping things, abnormal fatigue of the arms and/or legs, slurred speech, muscle cramps and twitches, and/or uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying. Over time, they get worse and ultimately the victims are totally paralyzed.
Since ALS attacks only motor neurons, the sense of sight, touch, hearing, taste and smell are not affected.
“When they came in that room with the piece of paper basically to confirm it and basically say, ‘Go home and enjoy your family because here in America there’s no cure, no treatment,’ it was tough. It was tough.” Michael said.
Currently, there is no cure for ALS.
“The frustration is a big part of it,” his wife Stephanie said. “I try to not get him frustrated. I want him to be happy.”
This condition has taken a toll on the family, as he is now out of work, and his wife also left hers to take care of him. They now have to rely on the goodwill and help of others after he was diagnosed with the crippling disease.
The Romero family however isn’t giving up hope.
Students at Mansfield High School, where Eric, Michael’s son goes to school have recently helped to raise funds for his treatment. His daughter has also set up a gofundme account to help with the cause. Michael is well on his way to raising the $35,000 he needs to take part in a Stem Cell Treatment procedure
Michael says is confident that this could save his life.
“I’ll do anything I can to try and stick around for my family,” Michael said. “I believe in God and I know there’s a better a place. And if it’s my time, it’s my time. What I did say is I’m afraid to die this way.”
H/T: Fox4News
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