As most of you are aware, Barb was freed from ALS December 18, 2020. It’s still hard to believe she is gone.... We miss her so much. It helps to think about what mom might be doing in heaven now and how much she is enjoying the things ALS robbed her of, like painting, dancing, creating, eating and TALKING!
“The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die. O Lord, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains.” Psalms 116:15-16
Mom was diagnosed with ALS January 2, 2019. Soon thereafter, she moved to Jacksonville to participate in the ALS multidisciplinary clinic at Mayo Clinic.
As ALS progressed, her speech and respiratory function continued to decline. She adapted many “new normals” with an open mind and heart. Barb learned to “speak” using her eyes with a computer. Her ability to chew and swallow diminished and she received a feeding tube at Mayo Clinic in January 2020. She used power wheelchair and sported a wheelchair accessible van. Through it all, Barb continued to make each day count and tried to do the things she loved. Her faith in the Lord enabled her to live gracefully with a terminal disease and keep smiling.
We will continue to work towards a cure for ALS and raise awareness in the memory of Barbara Lynne Smith.
Thank you for helping us reach our fundraising goal! Together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS. Our team is committed to raising money to support people in our community with ALS and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure. Please consider joining our team in the Walk to Defeat ALS® or choose a team member from the list and donate to our cause.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
That’s why we’re participating in the Walk to Defeat ALS. To bring HOPE. To raise AWARENESS.
ABOUT ALS
Amyotrophiclateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
Presently there is no known cause of the disease, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to provide help and hope today!
