MadALwx

[Bunty]

OMG.  I have a family connection with PLS/ALS.  FIL had it for years.  If he is reading this, I can only say HANG IN THERE!!!  And I'm sure most folsk here would take his PMs.

And anyone with ALS should certainly have the free right to try medical marijuana if conventional medicine isn't helping much.
http://www.youtube.com/nccpn#p/a/f/0/bd5aZ_F68n4

[Scalphunter]

How that going to help when just walking across an room fatiuges them like it does my son.  He is down to 130 lbs from 220.   Ex Ranger 12 year services and now run around from VA.

John

[W3DRM]

Has anyone had any contact with Lee (MadAlWx)? The slow-down and B-52 posts reminded of him. Sure hope he is hanging in there okay.

[DaculaWeather]

I spoke with him a few weeks ago but not since.

[W3DRM]

I spoke with him a few weeks ago but not since.

Thanks, I've been through this with two other close friends and know it's not fun for anyone. If you hear any more please let us know how he's doing.

[DaculaWeather]

He's suppose to keep me informed about severe weather coming my way, he's upstream from me.

[George Richardson]

I had the following correspondence with Lee Day before yesterday. I am posting it without his permission but I don't think he would mind.

***************************************************

Hey Lee,
I miss reading your posts on the WXforum but I certainly understand your position. I trust your fight is continuing. We get into a lot of fights we can't or shouldn't win, the opponent is just too big, but we get satisfaction from fighting a good fight. . . . . .  I read your descriptions of your battles and I say "Damn, he shouldn't have to be fighting to get something that small that he obviously needs!" then I think, maybe its a blessing in disguise that its just something to piss you off so you can fight some winnable battles. Keep up the good fight.
George



George,
It's good to hear from you friend.
Almost 1/2 way; I pray your fight is successful. Most of the fight is in your mind, no matter what illness. I believe that's why I'm going on +4yrs over expected life of 2yrs.
We all have our battles, and to each the level is the same. What's diff is how well you do it.

When I was 1st diagnosed I was so angry, not at the diag, but what it will do in the end to my family, especially my 7yr old son. I then realized what I can teach/show him;
even if you can't win, fight the good fight, never give up. You have to have hope. Channel it. Win small fights if you have to.

That's why, you're right, I pick at the VA machine and now, the gov't. Take a gander. http://www.knology.net/~blackjack52/ourflag.php

God bless. It was great hearing from you.


Fight the good fight...and be Well.
Lee "Blackjack" Persing, USAF Retired
www.Fox4ALS.com
MadALwx www.knology.net/~blackjack52

[DaculaWeather]

Something important to know too... Lee doesn't type with his hands anymore, he uses his eyes to do all of his typing. Just incredible what a person can do if they have too. I have a tremendous respect for him and how he's handling things. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it is.

God bless you Lee.

[W3DRM]

Steve,

Thanks for keeping us updated. Be sure to pass on to Lee that we are all pulling for him and praying for him too.

As I mentioned earlier I had two friends who had ALS. One of them lived 10 (ten) years past what the doctors said he would. He was a fighter to the end. We all learned a lot and were humbled greatly with his grace and acceptance of this horrible disease. Lee sounds like the same kind of person who has and will pass on so much more than any of us could possibly give.

God Bless,

[Downlinerz2]

   As a Radiation Therapist I was daily shocked and awed to see what people are able to accomplish in the face of devastating events.  I thank you as well for keeping us posted.  He is certainly an inspiration to say the least. 
     God Bless Lee and family! 

[weathergirl]

Lee's letter to George just overwhelmed me to tears. It brought back all the emotions I felt as I watched my father and three cousins suffer with ALS. His courage in battling this awful disease is a wonderful example to his family and all of us. Blessings to you and your family, Lee.

[Bunty]

While no magic cure, other ALS patients have fought for the right to use medical marijuana as this youtube video shows made in 2000:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxIlwNpKZFI

[Wx4U]

As Lee said the fight is the most important thing he can do. One of the best known, longest survivor of ALS is Stephen Hawkin, British theoretical physicist. He was given two years about forty-five years ago. Although he is almost fully paralyzed, he continues to pursuit his earth studies. Hang on Lee and do every darn thing you can possibly do. God Bless
Bob

[jeffgod]

God bless, Lee. My thoughts are with you.

[Windwalker222]

God Bless Lee, he is one of the most important examples of keeping on in the face of great odds and fighting to show a good example of never giving up.

[offroadjosh]

Any updates on Lee?


Josh

[andro700]

He is over on the Weather Watch forum. I have seen him post over there on a regular basis.

Chuck

[weatherforyou]

One of the founders of a coffee house chain based here in Southern Oregon, Dutch Brothers, died of ALS last year.  Dane was a fighter to the end.  Yesterday they had a fund raiser where all profits when to the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation for ALS research.  Last year they raised $80,000.  I haven't heard how much they raised yesterday yet.  So if you have a Dutch Bros in your neighborhood be looking for their ALS fund raiser next year. 

My family's prayers are with you, Lee.