Fifty-six-year-old Gerard Thom says when his doctor told him he had ALS, it was like being punched in the stomach.
“It was a pretty hard pill to swallow at first, but it’s not all about me. It affects so many different people in my life,” Thom said.
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Thom’s wife said the hardest part was telling their 17-year-old son.
“That was the worst 30 minutes of our life, because it’s gut-wrenching,” Shelley Thom said.
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Though he first thought his life was over, one year later his outlook has changed.
“The sun is shining today and tomorrow,” Shelley said. “He’s made it very easy for Adam and I because his attitude is so strong and I think when you have family support, it makes it easier.”
ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that destroys a person’s ability to control muscle movement. As the disease progresses, patients may become trapped inside their body, unable to walk or talk.
“I have been on a steady but slow decline,” Thom said. “It affects everyone differently and that’s why it’s so puzzling.”
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As speaking becomes more difficult, he is learning to use his iPad as a communication device.
Thom is focusing his energy on his family and trying to educate others about the disease. He is now the ambassador for this year’s ALS walk in Lethbridge.
“It’s my opportunity to raise awareness and raise funds for research,” he said. “I would not wish this disease on anyone, so if I can do something to help.”
ALS does not have a cure. The average survival from diagnosis to death is between two to five years, according to the ALS Society of Alberta.
The ALS walk takes place Saturday Sept. 10. All participants are asked to be at the Henderson Lake Park Horseshoe area to register at 10 a.m. before the 11 a.m. kickoff. There will be a BBQ to follow.
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