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My name is Elaine Bannon. Charles (Chuck) Bannon is my husband of 9 years. We have a son, John Charles, who is 5 years old. Chuck worked in the Auto industry as an engineering supervisor and was an avid motorcycle road racer with WERA. He also enjoyed running for fitness and making a variety of motorcycle parts in his workshop.
Chuck had his first symptoms in December of 2005. He noticed that his legs were stiff during a walk in the cold one night. He shook it off; however, his symptoms continued during the winter of 2006. He tried to run - something he had done for years - and was falling. He tried to lift weights for upper body strength - and found it increasingly difficult to do so.
Upon the recomendation of his GP, Chuck saw a neurologist in May of 2006. He had fasciculations in his arms and legs and was getting increasingly weaker. He walked with a slight limp. It did not take long to diagnose Chuck with ALS - his symptoms were classic. We had a second confirmatory diagnosis in June, 2006. Chuck was 41 years old. He was forced to take medical retirement by December 2006.
We are blessed to have the help of family and friends, including our wonderful caregiver Zofia. Chuck has all the essential equipment to make life as comfortable as possible. We recently got a feeding tube to help with nutrition. Chuck interacts with the internet via head motion software; his extremities have very limited movement now. Chuck has difficulty talking - but we can understand him well.
We are just another story of many stories. I wanted to give ours a voice. It seems to me that too many ALS patients fade into the background of society.
We need an effective treatment and, ultimately, a cure.
Chuck is a fighter. I am proud of him every day.
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Chuck passed away on April 18, 2009 at home with myself and his family by his side. His strength and courage are an inspiration to my son and I, his family and friends- we miss him so much.
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Your donations will help ALS TDI find treatment and a cure for this disease. Don't let my husband's suffering go in vain. Help find a cure; please donate.
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