Paul`s ALS Journey
March 30, 2017. Paul Davis and his 2 sons, Clay and Jamie, just had a fun father/son outing. On the drive home, Paul receives a phone call. It’s his neurologist with results from his last appointment. Over the car’s speakers the doctor says the words that will reverberate for decades, “Paul, I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but you have ALS.”.
Silence.
He just heard his death sentence.
His sons just heard his death sentence.
Like the strong father he was, Paul composed himself, asked sophisticated questions to the doctor about next steps, what his options are, and whether he should seek a 2nd opinion.
618 days later - Paul passed away from ALS.
Those last 618 days filled Paul with a range of emotions:
Frustration at his body.
Fear of death.
Optimism of a cure.
Will to survive.
Love of family.
Anger at his luck.
Support of friends.
Joy meeting his grandchildren.
Sadness of what he would miss.
These emotions swirled while his body decayed. An ugly combination that no one deserves. And while ALS has the most impact on the person who was diagnosed, this range of emotions spread across an entire network of loved ones.
Fear of losing a loved one.
Sadness of memories that won’t be made.
Support from friends and family.
Love of being able to say the things we haven’t said yet.
Frustration that there’s not a cure.
Joy that we got to have him in our lives.
The impact of Paul’s diagnosis was not lost on him. It’s why Paul spent a portion of his remaining days evaluating a number of organizations who are dedicated to finding a cure for ALS. In his research, it became extremely evident to Paul that ALS TDI was the organization who would find the cure.
This is why this fundraiser page exists. To fund the research that will eventually lead to a cure of this horrendous disease. Paul would want nothing more than to give hope to those going through the range of emotions he and his loved ones experienced. To receive a call from the doctor in which they say, “You have been diagnosed with ALS, but the good news is we have a treatment path to cure you.”
To those able to donate - we are so grateful. Those unable to donate - thank you for reading.
Paul would want you, no matter who you are or where you live, to take advantage of each day and give a big hug to someone you love.
