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A Tribute to Grandpa This is our story about how our family was touched by a terrible disease called ALS. My Grandfather was a quiet man, who stood 6ft. 4in. and weighed 235lbs. When he finally passed, he was only 90lbs and 60 years old. Grandpa suffered terribly with ALS for 4 years from 1966 to 1970. I was only 4 years old at the time he died, but, I have memories of him. He didn't talk, so we communicated by sign language. Back then, there was no medicine to be offered for the symptoms-Grandpa existed on Tylenol for those mind-splitting heachaches. ALS affected our whole family pretty deeply. My Grandmother, because she didn't want anyone to be so upset, never told my Grandfather or anyone else about the ALS. Grandpa thought he had a heart problem until the end. My mom, his daughter, found out about his diagnosis only 1 year before he passed. She was only 24 years old and took the news as a terrible shock and had to be put on tranquilizers. After Grandpa died, Mom thought for the longest time that she had his symptoms of ALS. Years later, when I was pregnant in 1992, I wanted to go to a DNA Specialist mainly for the ALS. I was afraid it was hereditary. Much to my surprise, the specialist couldn't tell whether Grandpa had it in his DNA or if it was from a lingering virus. How suprising it was for me to realize not much information had been found out about this terrible disease!! Today, there is some breakthrough with ALS: Medicine is available to help with the symptoms. A big opportunity to prolong and better a life with ALS. Something my Granfather never had the opportunity to do. So, I walk for my Grandfather, John Francis Kuzma, the best husband, father and grandfather. I love you and will ALWAYS remember you!! |
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