Diagnosed with ALS on November 18, 2019, Dora Robertson, my partner of 23 years, passed away 76 days later on February 2, 2020. With no money, no legal ties to each other, and no family support, we navigated the 100% fatal disease alone with me as her only caregiver.

Dora worked as a secretary at Millsaps College. She loved animals, good food and she loved to laugh. Dora was also an avid reader and she loved flowers. She had a green thumb.

Dora was also compassionate. She took care of her mother, father, and her aunt Drusilla Barnett. For 23 years, we were a caregiving team.

When we met she encouraged me to become a writer. She also helped to develop my alter ego, the Boa Flouncer. The Boa Flouncer is a hot steppin’ diva who wears feather boas. She also encourages others to live their best lives.

 A few weeks after Dora’s death, my advocacy work began. Fully aware of the devastating impact of ALS on the body, soul and spirit, I advocate so that others won’t have to endure this type of devastation.

~Katrina Byrd