Leo's Story

Real Life Issue

2007-12-05T06:36:36Z

Hi Leo,
I continue to be flabbergasted at the realism and honesty in which you write.
You give a voice to all the PALS who can't speak and for that matter those who still can. Through your column you remind them that they are not alone. Since this is a disease of isolation your articles bring hope and inspiration to many others. You may or may not look at it that way, but you are making a huge difference. Your articles are filled with real life issues that apply to all of us regardless.
Val

Feelings

2007-12-04T21:53:53Z

Dear Mr. Greene, I'm sure you hear this all the time, but I can't wait another week to tell you how much your column has touched me. I hope you don't find this intrusive in any way...I'm just struck with your honesty and quite frankly, as a marriage and family therapist, particularly impressed with your last column on "feelings". Sadly, so many people race from these impending feelings and miss an opportunity to deepen their experience....and move on. You have nailed the process so beautifully, although I wish you weren't having to go through these endless trials of fire. My heart is with you and your loved ones. Please know that there are so many out here who care about what happens to you. I often speak to my clients about your column and encourage them to read it. Sending strength and warmth to you via e-mail, Jeanne Roy, Pomona
Jeanne M. Roy, MFT
Children's Advocacy Center

Honesty

2007-12-04T21:49:40Z

Dear Leo Greene-
Your periodic stories in the DAILY BULLETIN have been a highlight in my newspaper reading for the past few months. I admire your open honesty, your spiritual searching, the truth of your insights, and your courage in sharing your story with so wide an audience.
Steve Smith
Claremont McKenna College

Reminder

2007-04-16T18:01:04Z

Hi Leo,
My eyes were halted on the front page today by your story. It moved me to tears and touched me.
I felt blessed for the reminder what this is really all about. Thank you.
Pamela Abell

Appreciation

2007-04-16T17:58:15Z

Leo,
I again thank you, and express my appreciation, for sharing your story. You
mention acceptance, dignity and grace...you exemplify this and so much more.
I also agree with you that "This is not in my hands." Please know that you
are not alone in your attempts to meet this challenge, and by sharing as you
are doing, you provide a very meaningful message.
With sincere appreciation and best wishes,
Jon Blickenstaff

Thanks for the story

2007-04-16T17:57:05Z

Leo, I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Pax vobiscum,
Kevin Clarke
St. Jude League/Claretian Publications

From another PALS

2007-04-16T17:53:43Z

A simple, beautiful telling of a personal spiritual journey...I feel it. Thank you.
Mike Bouger

ALS Forum Posting

2007-04-16T17:45:52Z

Leo is a regular here on the (Living with ALS Forum) and I hope that all on this site have
taken the time to visit his website, or his newspaper's website, read his story and, especially, watched some of the excellent and moving videos. Leo has chosen to use his considerable talents to document and raise the awareness about this terrible disease. He does this
with the skill of a professional but with the unique perspective of one living with ALS.
I am sending his website address to everyone in my email address list as an initiative to use this valuable resource to get the word out and the many aspects of the disease that Leo chronicles.
Chuck Hummer

Coping video

2007-01-16T20:03:42Z

I watched it a couple of times, and will watch it some more. Artsy
worked. Your new shooter did a nice job. The editing after you said you
had ALS took it to the next level. The colored glass blocks were the
perfect symbolism. You might want to think about putting all of this
into a documentary format. It's very good. Angel's words spoke to me.
Fred Jordan
Beaumont, Texas

Nice work

2007-01-16T20:01:43Z

Nice work on your latest film. I enjoyed watching it - and then watched all the others in a row - and am impressed by your continued creative output. Thanks for making this info available at ALS. I am going to link to your videos from my website this week - to help spread the word.
Charles McPhee
"Dream Doctor"

La Verne mayor

2007-01-16T19:58:04Z

I read with great interest and appreciation the article you wrote about your
challenge with ALS. I want to let you know of the admiration I have for
you, and your willingness to share your thoughts and feelings with the
community. You are an inspiration! I'm sure it's very difficult, but I
really appreciate what you are doing now, and the excellent, professional
service you've provided over the many years of your career.
My wife and I send our prayers and best wishes.
Always,
Jon Blickenstaff

Prayers

2006-09-07T21:13:00Z

Honestly I don't know who you are, but I just finished reading your article
in the Inland Valley Bulletin so I pulled out my step dads memory card from
his funeral. We had inscribed on his card
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith." (IITimothy:4-7).
My step father "Jack" came into my life when I was 1 1/2 years old. He was
the kindest, funniest, most loyal man I've ever known. I miss him daily...
but I have the greatest memories of him and I am so grateful he was part of
my life. He passed away from Lou Gehrig's disease on December 31, 2000. He
passed with dignity and bravery and was provided comfort care and I know he
did not suffer. I was at his bedside with him as he took is last breaths and
I was so honored to share this moment with truly one of my favorite people.
I am 34 years old now, I recieved my nursing degree in 2002 and work in the
intensive care unit at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. I see a lot of
tragedy as well as miracles. Unfortunately we both know right now there is
not much hope for a miracle when it comes to Lou Gehrig's disease. I just
want you to know you have one more person praying for you and your family as
you endure this process. Everything happens for a reason and everyone WILL
BE OKAY! I'm sorry you have to go through this.
Thank you for your article. It has reminded me to be aware of the Walks and
Fundraisers which I'd like to be more aware of and contribute to. I will
share this article with the neurologist's and nurses I work with and
hopefully bring more awareness and more support to this devastating disease.
Be brave.
With greatest sincerity,
Meg Halaska

Prayer

2006-09-06T23:47:16Z

I found myself staring at the article "The Signs were there: Diagnosis
confirms Lou Gehrig's Disease" it took all I had to read it because
on May 1st, 2005 my mother died from complications associated with ALS.
She was an incredible woman and a loving wife and mother. We miss her
terribly. Mom was incredibly courageous through her struggle with this disease
fortunately for her and for us she never experienced paralysis.
She was diagnosed with bulbar on-set ALS. Her ability to swallow and
speak was compromised-she too started slurring her speech about a year
before she was diagnosed. The diagnosis came in December 2004 I was with her and my
dad when the neurologist lowered the boom.
I will pray for you and your family. Be strong and focused to live the
rest of your life to the fullest. I prayed that mom would be
miraculously cured but God had other plans for her. I will now pray for
you maybe you will be that one person that "kicks" this disease. In
mom's continuing weakened voice she would say "I'm going to beat this".
She believed she would and she lived the rest of her life with the
intent of getting up every morning and doing her daily chores.
Please forgive me if I have overstepped my boundaries assuming that you
are a prayerful or religious person. I have attached the prayer my
mother said every morning and I am sure several times through out the day.
Leo, hang in there and know there are many people pulling for you-
My regards and best wishes to your wife and children,
Mary E. Brown
President & CEO, Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California
PRAYER IN TIME OF NEED
I am hurting dear Lord, I ask you to listen to the cry of
my heart. Strengthen my faith and give me patience
to bear my troubles. Visit me your grace. I leave all my
cares to your wisdom, love, understanding and goodness.
Amen

Feel your pain

2006-09-06T23:29:28Z

Mr.Greene, you are the third male in his 60's who has some form of Lou Gehrig's ALS. My brother three years ago had the same problems and it took several doctor trips to find what was wrong. He is in a nursing home - has major problem with the muscles in his neck. Do you have any clues why you and him have this problem? (the third male is the son of a club member) No family history slanted this way. I am lacking words, but I feel your pain.

Friend

2006-09-06T23:25:22Z

I don't even know where to begin. My name is Martha Martinez and my
brother in law Hector was diagnosed with ALS on January 2003 and lost his
battle in on December 23, 2004.
During the time if his illness I learned a great deal about the disease and
also learned of all the wonderful help and support that is out there for
patients and their families.
We were lucky enough to take part in some clinical trials at UCLA and we
were able to visit the ALS clinic at UCLA as well. I found that the MDA
was a wonderful resource for many things, but most importantly a wonderful
support mechanism for me.
Some of the things that my family and I did was divide his care amongst the
family members. I was in charge of physical therapy and equipment. I went
to the therapy appointments with him and followed up on all orders for
equipment. My husband lead the effort on all disability and medical
paperwork. My sister in law led the efforts with other medical
appointments. This was a more manageable way to divide the
responsibilities.
I am sure you have researched the websites. MDA has great information and
so does the ALS association. They provide great free reading materials
that will make you and your family more knowledgeable about the disease.
Please consider me a friend to correspond with and I hope this is
the beginning of a friendship.
In God's peace and love,
Martha Martinez