A Video of our Trip...

Home again!

We arrived home safely last night and it was great to see our kids and sleep in our own bed last night. Today we slept in after getting Zach off to school and Eric's mom went home. After we got up I felt a little overwhelmed with the messages, mail, emails, phone ringing, cleaning, laundry and all the catch up stuff but it is good to be home.
Here are some more pictures from our trip. We took over 600 pictures (thank goodness for digital film) and need to narrow them down. Brian already made a slideshow of our trip on the plane ride home and will post it in Youtube on our blog soon. We had a nice day by the pool our last day there and the weather was just beautiful! Yesterday we were up by 4:30 am and off to the airport with a 4 hour layover in Chicago arriving home about 7:30 last night so it was a long day and we actually had a 3 hour time change so we are pretty tired. Zach played his first 3 baseball games while we were gone which was a bummer, but thank you to Joel R and Matt K for taking Zach to the games and cheering him on! His team won all three games so he is pumped up! Can't wait to see him play on Friday!

Someone from the Advance called Eric at the airport on Friday and published an article in Tuesday's Advance for the fundraiser on Friday. We have to clarify a typo on the headline. It states that Eric is a former Wellspring youth pastor! The article is correct about Eric's job at Wellspring, however there was an error in the ALS association families across america stating that Eric was a former pastor (must have been assumed since Eric worked at a church) Anyways, the article was written by someone we have never met in Detroit and we corrected the many errors, but it was already sent out. Just goes to show how things can be easily mixed up from person to person to person, etc. Just wanted to clear that up for those of you who don't already know Eric to know this was a mistake :)
We did receive good news while we were gone that Eric was approved by the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference as a lay minister which will allow Eric to share his testimony in any 4C churches in Michigan of which the first will be a 4C conference in Maple Rapids this Saturday! It is exciting to see how God will use Eric in this way!

We just noticed that Brian posted the youtube video he made of our trip on our blog for us. He did a great job and so quickly. If you want to read their entries on our trip from another view, check out their blog! Their link is at the top right of our blog! or www.briankristi.blogspot.com

Blessings,

Lori and Eric

One more day left!

It's hard to believe we only have one more day left of our vacation. We drove back to Vegas yesterday and it was a beautiful drive through the mountains. On our way to the Grand Canyon, it was dark and we missed the amazing scenery. It is very warm in Vegas compared to G.C. The elevation really makes a difference in temperature. Our resort here is really nice. It is about 5 miles off the strip and is a little tropical paradise. The rooms are huge. It is a time share property so we each have our own room and bathroom and a kitchen and living area and a balcany with a view of the city. We went downtown last night for dinner at the New York New York hotel which has a roller coaster in front of it. That hotel lobby was like a city in itself. We didn't stray far from the corner where we were dropped off. The city is very dirty and very smokey and has people from all walks of life.... definitely not somewhere we would take our children. We will spend most of our day today relaxing by the pool. We will add some pictures tonight after we get them on a disc. Take care and enjoy your Monday!
Lori and Eric

The GRAND Canyon

Exodus 15:11
11 "Who among the gods is like you, O LORD ? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?

Chronicles 29:11

11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

Today was amazing! We got up and had breakfast and headed to our helicopter launch for our ride over the Grand Canyon. It was unlike anything we had ever seen before. God's creation is so beautiful and He created it for our enjoyment. The ride was 45 minutes and we headed over the Kaibob forest until we headed over the canyon as majestic music played in our headphones. It took your breath away. The pictures don't do it justice since it was so vast to take in. It was also a little hazy out. I took at about 2oo pictures so far! We also went to the National Park and drove and walked around the canyon and took more pictures. We saw some Mule deer just walking all around through the park. And some other large animals we couldn't identify as well as a condor flying over the canyon with his wings spread wide. We plan to go back to the park tomorrow. We are all pretty tired and ready to crash! Brian and Kristi have been so much fun to be with. We have been laughing so much and they have been so helpful to Eric and me. Brian has driven the whole trip which has also been a huge break for me. We rented a car and they gave us a choice of a Crown Vic or Mercury Marquis and we chose the latter knowing that both of them were boats. We wanted to get a SUV or something rugged or sporty, but they were out.

We will try to update again soon. We heard it is cold in MI today. It was in the 70's here today and sunny!
Blessings,

Lori and Eric

We're Here!

Yesterday we had an uneventful day of traveling but we made it here safely! Praise God. So far so good. It is beautiful here!!! We are looking forward to the helicopter ride today and viewing the Grand Canyon. Here are some pictures from yesterday...

Here we are sitting on the plane...waiting for the maintenance men to fix the toilet.

Driving from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam...

PS...we have a showing today while my mom is there watching the kids. Please pray that the showing goes well and if it is according to His timing, we sell!!

"May the mountains yield prosperity for all,and may the hills be fruitful" Psalm 72:3

Another beautiful day!

We just found out that the article will be in the Grand Rapids Press today (I think in the Region section) It is also viewable on mlive (see link below) and look for the article (says Georgetown family.....) This is quite an honor in one week. It's quite overwhelming that everything happened in the same week. Madison says she feels like Hannah Montanna. She loves it!
We have many appointments today and Zach is in a concert tonight with Three Men and a Tenor at Fair Haven which should be great! Between these things, we will be packing to leave tomorrow and Eric's mom will be here tonight to stay here with the kids while we are gone. Thank you, mom!!!!! Once we are packed and at the airport tomorrow, as Brian (my brother in law who is going with us and Kristi) said, we will be officially on VACATION! Hooray! The weather is looking good there too as I'm afraid this weekend here will take a little dive to the 60's which is still great for April in Michigan! We will try to update the blog while we are gone and hope you all have a blessed weekend as well!
Lori and Eric

http://mlive.com/grpress

FOX NEWS STORY...AND WHAT GOD IS DOING

The Pulse - Living With ALS - 04.21.08 Someone told us that the Fox interview from last night is on their website, so here is the link for those of you who have asked. Not sure if this works or not? or go to www.wxmi.com and look for the interview link.

We serve a BIG GOD. I just recieved an e-mail update from our prayer chain at church that Jason Horjus' tumor on his brain is non-cancerous! Praise the Lord!! God is our mighty healer. God hears our prayers offered in faith. Keep him in your prayers!

Everything is possible for him who believes. Mark 9:23

Have a great week. We are counting the days until we leave on our vacation to the Grand Canyon (3) We will try to update the blog with some pictures of God's creation!

Eric and Lori

Interview on Fox news tonight at 10:00

We had a good friend of ours who works for Fox come out on Saturday to interview Eric for a story on Fox news about life with ALS. We just heard from him and found out that the story will air tonight on Fox on the 10:00 news (probably around 10:30). That was pretty fast editing! I don't believe the article has been in the GR Press yet that we are aware of.
We are also showing our house tonight at 6:30 for the first time so I have been cleaning all day!
We will update more later this week.
Please pray that the showing will go well and there may be some interest.
God Bless!
Lori and Eric

Loving this weather!

Not much new to update, just wanted to tell you that we are all doing well. Zach is feeling better and we are all loving this sunny, warm weather!!! It just makes you smile. We are really looking forward to our vacation next week Friday with Brian and Kristi in the warmer climate as well away from the day to day business. I just pulled out the summer totes to start sorting and packing next week. Our dog is enjoying the warmer weather too and jumping the fence to visit other dogs so we need to get him an extra long chain to roam the yard with. I had my last day at work last Wed. and am really looking forward to more time at home with no running to work or appointments daily. There are just some days that I want to stay home all day and not even get dressed if we don't feel like it until noon. I know Eric agrees. It gets tiring so this will be a huge blessing for us. Eric and my dad are making a video for Washington DC and are almost done with that. They gave me a sneak preview and I started crying the moment it started out of no where. Some days I feel like I just live in auto pilot and do what needs to be done at the moment and don't think of the reality of this disease. I think I prefer living that way as long as I don't become numb to my own feelings. Eric and I choose to laugh every day. Seriously, I don't think we have laughed more together than lately. I think it is because we spend so much time together and we talk a lot and Eric just makes me laugh! He is my best friend. We have two weddings at church this month and I help coordinate them for church right now so I attend the rehearsal and the wedding day and it brings tears to my eyes thinking about the covenant they are making to each other. Pastor Gary emphasizes that this covanant is for life, better for worse, sickness and health and that is so true. Go give your spouse a big hug and tell them how much you love them and appreciate them if you are married and hug your cute little children too if you have them. Treasure your time together and choose to have joy!

We love you!
Lori and Eric

Another Busy Day

Today was another busy day. We had an appointment at the Born Clinic and when we got home we had about 15 minutes before a reporter from the Grand Rapids Press was coming to interview Eric and the rest of us. She called last week because ALS Association sent out a press release nominating our family as a family for ALS Across America and asked if she could interview us. She was very nice and gathered info about life with ALS and how it affects our family as well as efforts to help fight ALS and find a cure and what Eric is doing now. She said she had twelve inches of press to sum up our life so we will see what it is narrowed down to. She said you have ALS, but you seem like a machine that keeps on going. We told her that we have our down days, but mostly Eric keeps trying to do things that he still can do. A Photographer came out later to take pics of our family and of course the dog jumped right in too. He was very nice too. He said that the article will be in the GR press on Wed. and the reporter said any time from tomorrow up to the next 8 days so check out the Region section if you get the Press if you think about it on Wed. or Thurs or Fri. ...... :) After they left I swooped Maddie off to her last Cheer class and then picked up Logan's to go (our new favorite) We noticed that Texas Roadhouse across the street also is having 2 meals for 12.99 on Mon thru Wed also but haven't checked it out yet.

Well, Zach was a little off all day today and sure enough he just woke up puking so he is now laying on the couch with a bowl. Eric is sitting in the Sauna and staying clear of Zach and his puking germs. Please pray that Zach will feel better soon and that none of us will catch his bug.

Eric wanted to share how awesome Men's Bible Study was on Monday night. He said there were 86 men there and they were really opening up about strongholds, how God is blessing their lives and giving God praise. It is so good to be around other believers in the body who lift each other up and to feel God's presence. One of the most encouraging part of the evening was seeing Jason Horjus, a 22 year old young man from our church who just accepted Christ recently and had brain surgery last week for a tumor that was causing pressure and fluid on his brain. They are awaiting the results to see if it is cancerous and we are praying that it is benign and that God will shrink the tumor since it is inoperable. Please pray with us for him and his healing. Pastor Gary encouraged us all to live victorious over our strongholds and not in defeat just as Gideon trusted in the Lord to prove that God is in control. Thank you to our neighbor, Tom who faithfully calls Eric and picks him up to take him to Bible Study.

Please pray for Eric as he sleeps with the new Bi-Pap machine and that he may rest well and adjust to the machine and experience the benefits it can provide.

We are truly blessed!

Lori and Eric

God is Good!

It has been a cold, busy week but a lot of good things have been happening and we just want to give God some praise!! First, my garage sale was a huge success! I set a goal of $1,000.00 and thought it was crazy but I just recounted the money today and we made just over $1,000.00 to go toward our Born Clinic bill. Not only did we raise the money, but my house is so cleaned out. I am attaching a before and after picture of my storeroom so you can see what I mean. My friend Sherri has started an organizing business and has been so instramental in helping me make this happen. We did my closet, my kitchen and pantry and my storeroom and it is incredible. I am so thankful for all of Sherri's insight and help and will send some of you all of my before and after pictures in an email soon. This will also make our house easier to pick up and show.

This week we also received a letter saying that we are entitled to special home adaptation that we applied for only less than two weeks ago! We will find out how that works and hope that we can apply part of this grant to the purchase of land to build on since this will be the next step after selling our home. We already have two plots in Jenison in mind.

An update on our newest family member. He is still called Prince since we didn't come up with a name fast enough and the name just stuck. We did come up with the name Toby (after Toby Mac the Christian music artist) but he is mostly Prince or Prince Toby. He has been doing very well and has had no accidents and is right at home with us. A minor problem we have with him is those tiny little legs can jump our fence in the back yard so he has been on some adventures.

We have been having many people being saved over the last few weeks at our church and it is so exciting to see God working among our congregation! More than 30 people have come to know the Lord at Wellspring and God is glorified! Some people have come to realize that they didn't actually have a point in time when they gave their life to Christ and have been unsure of where they would spend eternity and have made that step of faith and assured their eternity in heaven. Can I just take a second to ask all of you who are reading if you know the One who died on the cross to save us from our sins? Our Savior Jesus Christ!! Without him and the price of his blood, we would be lost! We have hope in Him!! He died so that we may have life to the fullest. He paid the price for our sins! We are not worthy of this free gift! I praise the Lord that I made that commitment at Camp Geneva with a camp counselor when I was young and that Eric made that commitment after Zach was born in his car one day when our marriage was failing. God is our redeemer, rewarder, rebuilder, restorer! He is a life changer. Even our son Zach made the decision at age 5 to ask Jesus into his heart and we are praying that he will continue to seek God's direction for the rest of his life and that Maddie will some day make that decision. I want to leave you with a verse from last Sunday's pm service that rings so powerful for us and hopefully you as well:

Romans 5
Peace and Joy

1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Blessings to you today!!

Lori and Eric

Eric got his bipap machine today

This morning, Eric got his bipap machine and tested all the masks to see which one was the
least invasive. He chose one that just covers his nose which he can keep as long as he can sleep with his mouth closed so pray for this so he won't have to have the one in the picture above which covers his mouth too. These machines have come along way she said and hopefully Eric will be able to sleep tonight with it for the first time. The goal is 4 hours at a time for now. He has been a good sport about this as I know it is kind of overwhelming for him.
My garage sale started today. It was supposed to start at 5 pm but as soon as I opened my garage at 2, people started coming in so I just put my signs out and opened early. This sale was solely to raise money to help pay Eric's prior balance (before we got disablity) at the Born Clinic for the treatments he has been and is currently doing. My goal was set very high for the sale and we are 2/3 of the way to this goal on the first day which will help out so much with getting rid of this debt. God is so good!!! I sent an email to ask for help with tables, help running the sale and setting up etc. and I have had so much help and even some donations to the sale. I am so grateful and want to acknowledge some of you for all of your help. I couldn't do it without all of your help! Thank you so much to my mom, Eric's mom, Sherri, Tanya, Cathy, Deanna, Robin T, Sorrell's, Bonacci's and all of you who have donated tables and of course all of the people who shopped and are helping us get rid of our stuff! I hope I didn't forget anyone!

Lastly, as Zach said on his entry, We have listed our house for sale as of yesterday. We have contemplated renovating this house or buying or building for a while now and it just doesn't make sense to remodel this home as it means knocking out walls and adding foundation or roofing issues so as much as we love this neighborhood and we have only been here 1 1/2 years. It looks like we need to sell our house and look for land to build on to fit all of the future needs Eric may have if he would need a wheelchair.

Please pray for:
*Eric's adjustment to the bipap and the benefit of more energy
*Two more days of my sale - energy as I am fighting a cold or allergies
*Maddie is going to grandma Foxes tomorrow for the weekend
*Please pray that our house would sell at the right time and for God's direction on decisions to be made as they come
*my sister Kristi and Brian and the kids are in Georgia over break on a mission trip. They are working hard and very busy. Don't forget to check out their blog when you can www.briankristiblogspot.com

Thanks for your prayers and I hope you are all enjoying your spring break despite the cold weather!
In Him who gives us strength,
Lori

Spring Break!!!!

Woo Hoo!!! It's Spring Break! No school!

For an 11 year old kid like myself, this is the closest thing to Summer Break. I get to play with my friends, hangout with my dad, stay up late, sleep in, and best of all,

No School!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you don't know who's talking right now,

It's Zach Fox.

Well let's start out with Thursday night. I had lots of friends over and when it got dark we played "Ghost in the Graveyard."

On Friday I played with Jared Zink for a little bit. Then my mom,sister,and I went to Culvers where I got my basketball and we ate ice cream. My dad left for Lansing with some friends on a Men's Retreat.

On Saturday I played with Max for almost the whole day, and Maddie (my little sister) played with her friends Allie Wiegand and Olivia Barr. Then my dad came back from the retreat. Afterward, the Barr family and Matt Bowers came and we all ate Pizza. Then Mrs. Barr and her 3 daughters left, and my dad, Mr. Barr, Mr. Bowers, and myself watched the final 4 in college basketball. We had a little fun during the comercials.

(chucking my nerf basketball at each other)

On Sunday Our family went to church at Wellspring. It was awesome seeing all my friends and learning about Nicadimus. After church we went out to eat with the Peterson's at Red Robin. Pastor Gary was hilarious(as usual). Later, Maddie and I played with our friends. My parents and I went to the evening church service, and Maddie was at Allie's house.

On Monday I helped my dad with sorting our C.D.'s, went through his old hockey gear, and his old military items. He gave me one of his hat's, a mosquito net, and one of his medals he recieved for fighting in the Persian Gulf War. Mom worked some more on the garage sale. After that I met with some old next-door neighbors, and played with them until dinner.

Today Grandpa and Grandma Kammeraad came over and video-taped my dad on his everyday life struggles with ALS. My friend Austin Bouman came over and we got a video game at Family Video called "World Championship Paintball." Then we went to Logan's Roadhouse for dinner. It was to busy so we got it to go and brought it back to our house to eat it. Now here I am right now typing this blog while my dad and my sister are watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas.Also, my mom is out in the garage working on the garage sale.

One thing I forgot to tell you if you didn't know was that our house is for sale. We're hoping to build a new house that will be more accessible for my dad.

Have an incredible blessed day,

Thank you for your prayers,

$$$$$$$$$$ Zach Attack is out $$$$$$$$$$

Psalm 147:10

I found this verse last night and thought some of you may need to hear this today.

Psalm 147:10
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Isn't it wonderful to know that we can put our hope in his unfailing love and he delights in us when we do. It's not about our strength.

Have a great day!! The sun is shining!!!! His mercies are new every morning!!!!

ALS Clinic appointment

We had our follow-up appointment at the ALS clinic on Tuesday. This is the clinic that was established at Mary Freebed which has doctors set up specifically for patients with ALS to be seen and evaluated. They recently had their grand opening as our first two visits in July and October, they were still in the startup phases of the clinic. Eric received a call from MDA to see if he would be willing to be interviewed for their Black and Blue Ball and Jerry Lewis telethon media and video footage needed for promotions for these fundraisers. He of course said yes. What he failed to tell me is they would be interviewing us BOTH, which was probably a good thing because I would have been very nervous had I known I had to talk too. The interview went well although every time we mentioned our faith, satan would interupt with a cell phone ringing or they ran out of tape. We know that the tape will be edited and they were looking more for how our life has been affected by ALS and what our hopes are for the new clinic and what the MDA has been doing, but how could we talk about our life without mentioning Christ and our hope in Him and how our faith is what get's us through the day!!
They followed us through our appointment with the camera in those tiny rooms with two or three doctors in at time as well. We saw a speech therapist, nutritionist, occupational therapist, a pulminary specialist and Dr. Averill. Speech and nutrition are great. The occupational therapist gave us a prescription for a lift chair to make it easier for Eric to get up from sitting. He sinks into the couch and has a very hard time getting up from that position. She said medicare may cover the motor portion with a script. She also told us what kind of beds to look at since Eric has been having a hard time sleeping and our mattress is getting pretty old. So it looks like we will need to go shopping for those items soon. The pulminary specialist checked Eric's breathing and compared it to his visit in July and said that it has gone down a little bit so she wanted to order a bipap machine for Eric to wear while he sleeps at night to help keep his lungs cleaned out and relieve the pressure for breathing both in and out so that he would wake up feeling rested and have more energy. This came as somewhat of a surprise to us as breathing capacity is a vital part of survival of ALS. We have been praying that the ALS will not have any effect on his breathing or swallowing so please continue to pray fervantly that this will remain the same and that the machine will be comfortable to wear and really help Eric. This machine is very similar to a cpap machine used for sleep apnea like the one my brother in law uses except that it helps with the in and out to make it as easy as possible for Eric. We should have it next week and she will bring and set it up at our house and show us how to use it. I know Eric is having a hard time with this. During these visits at the clinic, you hope to hear that nothing has changed and you don't need to come back for 6 months. Our next visit is in 6 weeks to followup on the bipap and then we will return in 3 months. Dr Averill didn't have a lot new to say except that the bipap has only been shown to help people with ALS in many good ways. He actually showed a little sense of humor this visit which helped lighten up the day. He is usually very quiet and subdued.
I have to say that Eric leaves an impression with everyone he meets because he is always so joyful and that is something to remember. Not everyone walks around with joy in their heart especially during a trial like this. I am so grateful for my husbands attitude and choice on how to deal with this disease. We talk so often about things because we spend so much time together during appointments, excercises, sauna and every meal we share together. We can still laugh with each other and cry together and he just means the world to me and my kids. I have to say I can't imagine loving him more during this time.
We have been talking more and more about the idea of building and being prepared IF things change. I have to always say if not when. Pastor Dobson also taught us that. We are aware that a house doesn't just come together overnight and there are alot of decisions to be made. We will likely list our house in the next month or two as we explore what is out there for us. Please pray that our house would sell quickly if that is God's will for us to move.
We are looking forward to Spring break next week and sleeping in. We have been on the go way too much this week and need some down time. Eric and my dad have been working on a video of Eric's life for the ALS Advocacy trip to Washington DC and I just had to pull a couple pictures of my cutie pie husband when he was little for you to see that he smiled that big when he was little too!

Thank you as always for your prayers! It is so wonderful to live in such a small world where we hear that someone is praying for us through a prayer chain or through a friend that knows us. It is so good to know that we are the body of Christ and we can lift each other up in prayer even when we don't know each other.

Grace for the day,
Lori and Eric

GOD's IN CONTROL

The above photo reminds me that God is in definately in control...

I'm thankful that God is in control because even though I have an incureable disease (by man's thinking) ALS, He gives me such joy and peace as well as courage to fight this disease. Some days, though, are harder and it gets difficult to continue having my strength taken away all the while my mind stays intact. Sometimes I feel trapped inside this shell of a body. Those are the days that I have to lean on the Lord the most. I am reminded, in his word that…“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” (Psalm 23:4).

All I have is you Lord I need to shake off this bitterness and self-pity and be determined to press forward. With you God on my side, no weapon formed against you shall prosper. As I keep an attitude of faith and expectancy I will trust you for healing and strength.

I wish every day was Sunday, because I feel so blessed and full of strength after church at Wellspring. I am so encouraged by the worship, Pastor Gary's message, and a wonderful body of Christ that encourages me. The most amazing part though, is the presence of our Holy God. Sometimes I get lost and just want to stay right there… it's such a safe feeling.

A friend of mine, Drew S. from Connecticut, has this video on his site. (See below)
It gives you a better idea of what's to come with this disease. His friend Steve has a dream to build these centers/houses equipped especially for ALS patients. Maybe we will try to build one here in Grand Rapids, wouldn't that be great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFmgQLG9X_o


If you could pray about some upcoming things:

Tomorrow I have to go to the ALS/MDA clinic for my six month checkup. They will see if there is a big change from when I went in September. They check my strength to see how much atrophy, and loss of strength that I have encountered since the last time I was in. They will also check my breathing to see how strong it is. Our prayer is that we would get a good report on my lungs and my breathing.
Pray for Lori, as she sometimes gets burned out and is finishing up taxes, planning a garage sale to help pay for the Born Clinic bills that we have accumulated before I received Social Security assistance, being a mom, being a caretaker for me, and so much more that it is easy for her to get stressed out.
Prayers for Gods healing and strength on my body.
Prayers for our kids to be able to handle and understand the upcoming changes of this disease.

Thanks so much for your love.

Your brother in Christ,
Eric

Last week was very busy. We had many appointments, but it was a good week. On Friday, we went to the VA clinic in Grand Rapids and met with the benefits coordinator after waiting 2 1/2 hours (first come, first serve). Some of you may not know that Eric is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. He went to Saudi 3 months after we met and we were already in love. Praise the Lord that that war was over very quickly. He left in January and returned in April of 1991. Since Gulf war veterans have gotten ALS at a ration of 2 to 1 diagnosises, Eric's ALS has been deemed a service related disability. Because of this rating and his service in the Gulf war, Eric has certain benefits through the VA he would not otherwise have. We have applied for an adaptive housing grant and an adaptive vehicle grant. While these won't cover the cost of these things, we are so grateful to have them available and God will supply the rest. I am so thankful for Eric's service to this country and so proud of him for signing up in 1987 at the age of 17 to serve his country. He stayed in the military until 1994 and was honorably discharged. He even talked about resigning up after we had kids, and I selfishly said we need you here! This was when everyone was being deployed to Iraq as they still are now. Sometimes I think to myself, had Eric not been in the military, he may not have ALS. Then I remind myself that God is in control of everything in our lives. A good friend reminded me that God used a decision and a service in Eric's past to provide for Eric's future. When I think of a veteran, I think of my Grandpa telling me stories of World War II and someone who served in Vietnam who is a grandpa to someone. Now, the reality is veterans are younger than me because we are at war and my friend's children are going to war as Eric did in 1991. I know Eric is so loyal to our country and he supports our troops as do I. I didn't mean to go into all that, but I am so proud of my husband and grateful for God's provision to our family. Please pray for these grants to go through and to be expidited through the system and for the wisdom we need for decisions to come such as building or purchasing a zero step home and getting a vehicle and the timing of it all. Thank you again for your prayers. We have been experiencing God's joy and love through this all and couldn't do it without your prayers, support and love!

Love Lori

Kitchen Makeover

The other day Eric and I were looking at dishwashers because the dishes were coming out as dirty as they went in and it was the original dishwasher that came with the house. We found a scratch and dent Kitchenaid dishwasher and asked some friends if they could install it since the floor had been raised by the tile and it was a tight fit. They decided to redo the countertop with laminate instead of remove the tiles so..... Tuesday night while we went out to see the play Annie that friends were in, Dan B, Tom M and Mark V came over and went to town! We came home and within 5 hours they had installed the dishwasher, replaced the kitchen faucet that leaked and installed a beautiful countertop!! Amazing... It looks like a whole new kitchen to us. We are so grateful for all of the hard work that was done for us that night.

Other than that, it has been a pretty uneventful week around here. We finalized our arrangements for the Grand Canyon and I am coming into the home stretch for tax season! Hooray!! I pray that you are all having a good week and enjoying our new snow again. Will it ever stop? May God Bless you and keep you in His grip!

Lori

TRULY BLESSED

Easter this year had more meaning than previous years growing up. One thing is I feel closer to my family than ever before. This weekend we went to my mom and dad's in St. John's where I grew up. We had so much food that we didn't need to eat dinner. The grandkids had an opportunity to search for their Easter baskets. I had a chance to talk to my parents alone about things that were coming up and decisions that we would need to make. It was really good talking to them, and they gave me some good sound advice. I know my brother is having a hard time with this, but I've had a hard time talking to him, because I don't want him to hurt anymore. We had a chance to talk a little bit down in the basement and I can tell that things are busy in his life right now. I hope he knows how much I love him and that God has everything under control. And we will be all right. Later in the day. My mom and I had an opportunity to go through old pictures together. We laughed at all the memories that were made. It's hard to believe that my sister once had pigtails and my brother was that small… one thing that occurred to me is how blessed I am. What many people don't know is that I am adopted. My mother was only 17 when she had me and she couldn't afford to keep me. So she put me up for adoption, hoping and praying that I would have a better life. In walks my mom and dad, and they picked me out of the rest of the kids at the orphanage. am blessed to have been chosen by my parents I am blessed to have been chosen by God to be able to have a relationship with him. I am blessed to have met, fall in love with, be in love with, been married to, my best friend; Lori. I am blessed to have two wonderful children that I adore and love with all my heart. I am blessed to have wonderful parents and family on both sides that love me and care about me. I am blessed to have the most wonderful church family that takes care of me, encourages me, loves me, respects me, and are there walking and praying on my behalf every day. I am blessed by having so many friends that would care enough to call just to say hi. I am blessed to be able to see a brilliant sunrise, smell a hot apple pie, hear children playing, feel the loving embrace of a friend, think about heaven, taste freshly baked chocolate chip cookies… and so many more things that God gives me each day. We went to Lori's sister's house on Sunday after an amazing church service at wellspring church. It was such a powerful service God’s presence was definitely moving and transforming. Seven adults accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We give God praise for changed lives. We had a huge dinner feast. There was enough food for two families. And I can't forget about the deserts someone in the neighborhood and made a chocolate bunny cake. My kids dared me to kiss the bunny. So I did. The kids had fun searching for hidden Easter eggs filled with candy. Well, I fell asleep on the couch. It was a great day. Please pray for Lori's sister as she has been battling cancer for over a year now. She has decided to stop the chemo treatments. The side effects are just too overwhelming. She and Brian are at total peace with this decision.

Thank you so much for all your prayers, may God bless you and keep you.

Love Eric

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6).

In this day and age, we are equipped with so many wonderful resources in the natural: technology, education, abilities. It’s easy to rely on our own natural strength for so many things. We have to remember that this natural world is only temporary, but the spiritual realm is eternal. We aren’t limited to the earth’s resources; we have unlimited spiritual resources by the Spirit of God. There are things in life that can’t happen by human thinking and reasoning. There are things that won’t be solved by natural power and might. But God is not limited by the resources of this world. When you open the door of faith in your heart, God will move through you in powerful ways by His Spirit. By His Spirit, you can overcome temptation. By His Spirit, you can receive healing. By His Spirit, you can fulfill every dream and desire in your heart. No matter what challenges or obstacles you may be facing today, know that you can live in complete victory by His Spirit! Father in heaven, thank You for giving me access to all Your spiritual blessings by Your Spirit today. I choose to rely on You and trust that You are working in my life. I praise and bless You, knowing that You are leading me in victory in every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Why do we live in Michigan?

Well, it never fails that all the snow melts and we all get Spring fever and then we get slammed with some more snow. And the second day of Spring on Easter weekend none the less! These are the times when I wonder why we live in Michigan and then I remember all of our family and friends live here too! How could we leave? I got an email from our timeshare program offering a great 3 night deal in Orlando where we just stayed and free Sea World/Aquatica tickets and I was actually on line looking up cheap tickets to Orlando in March or April then I came to my senses.
We are actually in the middle of planning our Grand Canyon /Las Vegas trip with my sister Kristi and her husband Brian in late April which we are very excited about. It will be a chance for us to see the Grand Canyon and all of God's creation out there and see Hoover Dam and many other amazing things and spend time with Brian and Kristi in a warmer climate without our children. We love our kids, but are looking forward to some adult time together and relaxation. We have never been to Vegas before and don't worry about us, we have no interest in gambling or any of the things Vegas is known for. We hope to just relax by a pool and maybe visit a spa or just walk around. If anyone has any tips for visiting the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas, please e-mail us or post a comment.
We wish you all a glorious Easter Sunday as we all remember Christ's sacrifice on the cross, but most of all His Ressurection!!! He Lives!! May you all have safe travel and time with your friends and families as you reflect on His great Love!!

Please pray for my sister, Kristi as she and Brian have decided to stop her chemo treatments. She has peace from God that the cancer is gone and that her CA125 levels will continue to drop without the chemo treatments and is experiencing strong side effects from them. Please pray for her continued peace and complete restoration of her body.
In Him who gives us strength,
Lori

A weaker day

It is late, but I wanted to ask you for some prayers for Eric tonight. He has been very fatigued today. This morning was pretty uneventful. Eric and I actually sat down and watched a movie with Maddie per her request. We went to the Born Clinic and then directly to his Deep tissue Phrimmer massage he does once a week. This is supposed to loosen the bloodflow in his body from the inside out. All I know is it helps Eric not feel so tight in his joints so we keep going. He does a full massage about once a month and today was one of them. Bruce who does them said his legs are feeling very tight which was really hard for Eric to hear I know because he is so worried about ALS spreading into his legs. One day a few weeks ago, Eric was laying on the bed in shorts watching the fasiculations shoot down his legs. These are messages your brain is trying to send to the nerves that are hitting a road block so they keep shooting and not connecting (the best way I know to describe it). His arms have done that for so long and I used to get so mad at them as I lay my head on his shoulder and feel them knowing that they are one of the many signs of this disease. Dr Dobson said his neurologist said to him that you could be a "super twitcher" or you could have ALS. We all have mild twitches like this that you may have seen before.
Maddie had her Cheer class at the Y tonight and we had to scramble Eric a ride home from his appt (Thank you Mitch) and after that we hit Logans for their Mon-Tues night special (cheaper than eating at McDonalds and so much better) Eric had an awful time trying to eat tonight and was frustrated but tried to hide it. I just thought to myself how hard this must be daily to not be able to do things for himself like feed himself and I thought I would have a break down daily and just scream! I want to protect our kids so much from seeing how frustrating and debilating this disease is, yet I don't think that will always be possible and I am so grateful on how Eric chooses to handle himself most of the time. I thought tonight that maybe we should just try to do take out when we eat out. I feel like we should have a sign on our table that says to the wait staff and everyone around us that says Eric has ALS so they don't look at him funny when they try to hand him his plate and he doesn't grab it or I cut his meat and feed him.
When I was tucking Maddie in tonight she was talking about going to Kidnergarten and how Zach was almost in Jr High and I said stop growing up!! She said who would take care of her because Daddy will die first and my heart just sank. We have never talked to Maddie about Eric dying from ALS. We have told her very little except that Daddy's hands don't work right. I asked her why she thought that or did someone tell her that and she said I figured it out because his hands don't work right. I talked to Eric about it tonight and he said maybe she is just picking up on conversations we have had as kids are always more perceptive than you know. I just know it breaks our hearts to think of how this is affecting our kids.
Well, enough depressing talk. This must mean that tomorrow will be a good day because we always can come up under what we go through and rise above it again through Christ. We are believing God for a mighty work in Eric and praying daily for his healing. Please continue to lift us up in your prayers and dont' ever feel like you can't share your burdens with us as well. We often hear, I have this problem and then I look at your family and I feel like it is nothing like what you are going through and I should count my blessings. I often wonder what is it they are going through and is anything too small for God? I don't think He wants you to be bogged down with small stuff or be complaining, but He does want us to lift our burdens to Him no matter how small. Let's keep praying for each other and seeking His Kingdom.
In His Grip,
Lori and Eric

SHARING GOD'S HOPE

Last night, Eric had an opportunity to speak to the ALS support group in Kalamazoo. Denise George is the Patient Service Coordinator for the ALS association and she brought us dinner last night and Matt and Stephanie Kuczinski watched Zach (Maddie was still at Grandma's) and we were off to Kalamazoo. Denise has been wonderful to us from the first day she visited our home after Eric was diagnosed and we really enjoy her company. Eric was the guest speaker and he shared his story of life with ALS and how difficult things have become. He shared that we all have hope in Christ and we can choose how we respond each day and he chooses to have joy. It was a great group and it was nice to have interaction with the people there rather than just speak and leave. We met a gentleman who has had ALS for many years named John who was very appreciative of us coming out. God has redirected our path in life and we are always reminded of this as we meet new people who we would have never met had we been coasting along the path we were on prior to ALS. There was a man there who lost his wife 3 weeks ago to ALS, and a couple who doesn't believe in God and it just felt great to share with them our faith and how we get through the tough times. We laughed and cried with these people. Eric did a great job being encouraging and sharing from his heart! Eric made us take a picture with Denise (above) when we got home to remember our trip to Kzoo. Today Maddie came home and had her kidnergarten screening which she loved! We can hardly believe she will start school next fall! She can't wait to ride the bus!

Love Lori

Father, because of your word I am an overcomer. I overcome the world, the flesh, and the Devil, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony.

I John 4:4 ; revelation 12:11.

A lot of time people think that when they have a need, that if God wanted to, He could just automatically meet it. But Jesus didn’t say, according to your need be it unto you; He said, according to your faith. That’s why it’s so important to have an attitude of expectancy every single day. If we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. The scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” The more you have the Word of God in your life, the more your faith will grow and the more you will see Him working in your life. God longs to bless you, and He’s given you everything you need to be successful in life. Remember, all things are possible to those who believe! Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessing God has prepared for you!

An Encouraging Day

We had to end the day by letting you all know what a great day we had today. We have been blessed in many ways today. First, Eric's mom has had Madison since Sunday and it has helped me tremendously to catch up on tax returns that have been piling up. Second, my good friend Heather called this morning and said I am bringing you dinner and then cleaning your house and you can't say no. She went to town with my house and found dirt I didn't even know existed in a major Spring cleaning. It looks and smells great. It was hard to sit at my computer as she did circles around me cleaning, but many thanks!! I also want to express my thanks to Sherri for the help that has been set up for meals once a week and all the hands that will prepare them and for Tanya and Michelle who have been cleaning every other week to help me keep my sanity. I know there are people I have not mentioned or expressed my thanks, please know we are so grateful for help, support prayers and encouragement.
Eric had a great day today and said he felt covered in prayer. He had extra energy today and felt at peace and encouraged. A few friends from church came over tonight to watch the Red Wings and they won which always makes for a good night! Thank you for lifting us up when we need it and for joining us in this journey. We are blessed!
In Him who gives us strength,
Lori and Eric

STAYING BUSY!

While it's hard to believe it's been since Friday since we updated the blog. A lot has happened. Saturday I was on my own all day as Lori took Zach to Chicago with his class on their annual Chicago trip that they have done the last several years. It is amazing how plans don't always work out as you hope but God allows other things to happen for a much bigger plan! I was able to have breakfast with a couple friends that recently got married and I haven't been able to see lately. They were very gracious, loving, and kind to me. When they brought me home another friend of mine,Dan B. was at my house looking for me. We decided to go to Home Depot and pick up some wood to build a workbench and shelves in my garage. My buddy Matt H. came over to help. They got it all framed and put together, just needs to be finished. Thanks guys for all your hard work. Lori's dad came over and took Maddy and I out to eat and I think he got to see how much my wife does for me. This disease takes away my abilities to use my arms and hands, but nothing can take away my spirit!

I want to take a minute, and brag on my wife. I am truly blessed to have the most wonderful, caring, compassionate, understanding, selfless wife, a man could have! She endures so much and maintains this household, being my caregiver, being a friend to others, being a mother to her two children, and trying to keep everything flowing. I realize it isn't an easy task by any stretch... There are only 24 hours in a day and know she wishes there were a few more. In all fairness, she gets burned out from time to time.

Sunday was incredible day at our church, wellspring church, pastor Gary talked about blessings and curses. One thing that I was inspired was I wanted to speak more blessings over my family and friends. My parents came into town to have lunch with us. I have to give God praises because through this valley my parents are finally going to church. I have been praying that my family; parents, brother and sister, would come to know the Lord in a personal relationship with the Almighty King! It was great visiting my folks. My cousin Lindsey also made the trip over, which was nice seems we don't see each other all that often. My mom and I had a moment where we held each other and just cried. It's hard sometimes knowing that you're dying and there is nothing we can do but pray to God for his healing. My parents took Madison with them till Thursday gives Lori a break to get the many tax returns done that she has left to do. It also gives grandma and grandpa time with their granddaughter.

Today, Monday was catching up with e-mails, Lori is busy doing laundry, cleaning, organizing, doing dishes, working with taxes, and phone calls for doctors appointments, and so much more. We had an appointment with a doctor at the born clinic tonight. It's been since December since I talk to her. We brought our list of questions, and try to understand if we were on the right tract and doing all that we could to slow down this disease. There were a few things that she recommended that we need to do and they were a few adjustments that we need to make. In regards to suppl up ements that I'm on.

We appreciate your prayers and support as we go through this valley together. My hope is that you would see Jesus walking with me through the storm.

I wanted to read a few verses that I was inspired by today:

Jesus took my infirmities, and bore my sicknesses. Therefore, I refuse to allow sickness to dominate my body. The life of God flows within me, bringing healing to every fiber of my being. Matthew 8:17, John 6:63.

I present my body to God for it is the temple of the living God. God dwells in me and his life permeates my spirit, soul, and body so that I am filled with the fullness of God daily. Romans 12:1,3; John 14:20.

May God bless you this week!

Eric

Hope for all PALS

February 28, 2008

New ALS Gene Paves the Way for Better Understanding, New Treatments
By Richard Robinson, Science Writer

The discovery of a new gene that causes some forms of ALS will enable the development of new model systems to understand the disease and open the way for development of new treatments. The discovery, to be published today in the journal Science, links mutations in the TDP-43 gene to cases of both familial and sporadic ALS.
The research was led by Professor Christopher Shaw, M.D., at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, King’s College London, United Kingdom, in collaboration with Jemeen Sreedharan, MRCP and Vineeta Tripathi, Ph.D., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, King’s College London, United Kingdom, and Ian Blair, Ph.D., and Garth Nicholson, Ph.D., Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Concord, NSW, Australia.
These investigators have been funded by The ALS Association over the past years in their efforts to identify new genes linked to ALS.
“These exciting findings open up new avenues for ALS research, enabling us to develop new models for testing therapies. This is a much-needed resource for drug discovery in ALS, which has to date focused largely on mutations in superoxide dismutase 1,” commented Lucie Bruijn, Ph.D., science director and vice president of The ALS Association.
TDP-43 (TAR DNA binding protein 43) has been previously identified (see previous article) as a major component of the “inclusions,” or protein clumps, found in the motor neurons of ALS patients. Motor neurons die off in ALS. Until now, however, it was unknown whether TDP-43 contributed to the disease, or was an innocent bystander. The normal function of TDP-43 is unknown.
The researchers found single base changes (mutations) in the TDP-43 gene (formally known as TARDBP) in 5 affected members of 1 family, versus none of the unaffected members. They also found mutations in 2 ALS patients with no family history of the disease (sporadic ALS). No mutations were found in 1,262 unaffected controls, or in 523 other ALS cases. In all, 3 mutations were found, all affecting one region of the protein. In the familial case, the mutation was inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion (1 mutant copy was sufficient to cause the disease).
The discovery confirms that in at least some cases of ALS, TDP-43 is playing a direct role in causing the disease.
When the researchers placed the mutant gene into chick embryos, they observed abnormalities in limb development and premature cell death, although the relation of these changes to the ALS disease process is still unclear. Further work to understand the protein’s functions will lead to clues that will aid in therapy development.
“The identification of TARDBP gene mutations in ALS places TDP-43 at center stage as a potential cause of motor neuron degeneration. Critically, these mutations will give scientists around the world a new tool to explore the disease process and hopefully accelerate drug discovery,” Dr. Shaw said.
A second study, published online by the journal Annals of Neurology, identifies TDP-43 mutations in another ALS family. TDP-43 was first found in ALS inclusions in 2006. While TDP-43 mutations appear to be a rare cause of ALS, their discovery should lead to a deeper understanding of the protein’s role in the majority of ALS cases.


http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2008/s2175916.htm]

A rough day-only if you let be rough...

Well Tuesday started out as a pretty good day. I woke up the sun was shining, gave my wife and kids a hug, took a shower, got dressed, and then Lori and I took off for Battle Creek to the VA clinic. We had an evaluation scheduled for me with the doctors down there. I didn't really understand why but anyway a way we went we got there about a half an hour early, which is good for us, they were at lunch so we had to wait. After about 15 minutes after one o'clock, I asked them if there was a problem or if they're running behind because it didn't look like they were that busy. I gave them my name and social security number, and they looked it up in the computer. Then all of a sudden, they were like busy ants scurrying about in a couple minutes later I was in the exam room. The Chinese doctor that I saw was very meticulous but lacked compassion. It was very difficult for us to hear the words again and again, and the lack of hope that we heard in his voice. After that I got dressed and headed downstairs with the social worker. We received a lot of good news of all coverages and different things, but we also did an advance directive which was very difficult for Lori and I. We had to stop sometimes because tears came pouring down! It wasn't that Lori and I haven't been very realistic about this disease may be we suppressed the thoughts of life ending for me, whatever the case we had a hard time talking about the options in the later stages of this disease. On the way home. Lori and I talked and laughed a lot, but at one point, Lori started crying and said, "who is going to make me laugh when you're gone?" Honestly, I did not know what to say, but I just told her that everything was going to be okay.

When we got back to Grand Rapids we met with our close friend Mitch Barr, he had agreed to take me to the Detroit Pistons game. I'd gotten the two tickets from a good friend and neighbor Dave Maranka-his parents had the tickets from a church auction and they couldn't use them, so they've thought of us and asked me if I would like them... Of course! Thank you Dave for thinking of me, we had an awesome time! They had box suite seats it was incredible they had their own bathroom, tons of free food, pop, water, veggie trays, lounge area with TV, and the kitchenette. It was very private and the seats were great. The game got over with at 10 p.m. with the Pistons beating the supersonics 100-97. It was snowing and blowing really bad, it took us almost 2 hours just to get out of Auburn Hills. We didn't get home until 2;30 this morning! We were only able to drive 30 miles an hour until we got to Lansing due to the whiteout conditions and poor visibility. It was worth it I had a great time with my friend making a great memory and having time to talk and pray about the future!

I want to thank all of you who pray and continuously go before the Lord on my behalf to ask him for healing, strength, and long prosperous days of life on this earth!

I love you!

Eric

We're all healthy

Hi again,
It has been hard to keep the blog updated as often as we like. Sometimes it is just busy around here, sometimes we are too tired and sometimes there is just not too much new to share. Maddie's sickness was shortlived and she was feeling better by the next day and none of the rest of us got sick so that is a praise. Tax returns have been flowing in for me so that keeps me very busy right now. It was great to be back at church today. We have been traveling whenever we can lately which has been great, but we do miss our church, family and friends when we are away. The message was great today on unity and to let go of petty things and come together in unity. Spend your time using your gifts for God. A couple of verses that stuck out are: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 We want to teach our kids this so much but need to lead by example. The other verse is "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galations 6:10. and one more to commit to memory is "The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" John 10:10. Isn't it good to know that as much as satan wants to destroy us, God wants us to have an abundant, full life!!
Eric and I have decided that it was getting too hard to work outside of the house for a full day since Eric was home by himself with noone to assist him with eating and other things he needs. I have gave my notice at my job in Holland which should help alleviate stress and feeling pulled in too many directions. I am training someone already to do my work there so I should be done soon. Last Friday when I went in to work, I had left Eric lunch in the fridge and he dropped it all on the floor because he couldn't get it out of the fridge. I just feel that I need to be here for Eric. I try not to do everything for him, but it is a huge reminder of his limitations when he has no one to help him. We are blessed to be able to have me home without a huge financial stain. We have our appointment in Battle Creek on Tuesday for special adaptive equipment and ways to help Eric be more independant if at all possible. He has been having really bad charley horses in his legs at night that keep him up. We have to ask the doctor if there is anything he can do about that. Sometimes it is hard to know what to share and what not to share, however we want to be informative about the disease and real about what life is like now.
Thank you for all of your prayers and words of encouragement,
Love Lori and Eric

Fox Family FUNdraiser

Good friends and family of ours are planning a fundraiser to help cover costs of future needs for Eric such as home renovation costs and a wheelchair accessable van, etc. The fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, May 9 from 6-9 pm at the Jenison Jr. High. Our website (www.ericfox.us) has been updated under the donate tab with a flyer with more info. There is a downloadable form about how you can donate items for the event. Our deepest gratitude goes out to all of the people involved in planning this event and all of the work that is involved. We are so grateful for all of the support we have from our family and friends!!

Home again!

We arrived back home last night about 12:30 am after driving 12 hours with stops from Tennessee. It was a smooth trip home up hwy 57 until we neared Chicago where the snow storm started and continued all the way home. It took about 5 hours going around 40 mph the last leg of the trip but we made it home and it's a good thing we did because Madison woke up this morning with a stomach ache and has been throwing up. My second cousin Paul had the flu when we arrived and he graciously stayed in their bonus room above the garage for the first two days and was feeling better by Sunday so if this is the same strain, at least it is short lived.
We had a great time in Tennessee despite no sunshine. We were really hoping to bring some back to Michigan. We just hung out with my cousins (2nd and 3rd) and enjoyed their company and hospitality. We were able to go to an Austin Peay basketball game and watch Lauren on the dance team and it was a great game. Avery is in high school and had a game too that she cheered for which we had to miss. They are both very beautiful, talented girls who have a very bright future in store! Merrilee cooked us some wonderful meals and we love to just chat with her. Paul as we said was sick and felt bad, but we were glad we were able to visit with him on Sunday. He even got up and made us pancakes! We did go to Franklin on Sunday morning to New River Fellowship church and heard a great message given by a Pastor that had spoke at KCC for a wild game dinner Eric attended (small world) which was very good on a day in the life of Jesus from Mark 1. Michael W Smith was not there this week, but it was fun to see how the church has changed and grown in two years. We then left and went to Nashville Opry Mills mall and shopped til we dropped, literally. The mall is very big and we were ready to go by half way thru, but had to walk to the other side to get our car and my feet were ready to fall off. We got some good deals, mostly Madison, of course. She likes everything! We ate lunch at the Aquarium restaurant which had a huge tank in the middle of the restaurant with sharks, stingrays and all kinds of other huge fish. It was pretty cool! The only setback of the weekend besides cold weather was the first day we arrived when Eric lost his footing on the steps upstairs and slid all the way down which gave him a nice road rash on his stomach. It is hard to know if these things would have happened anyway despite having ALS but his balance is definitely off due to not having use of his arms. When you think about how God made our bodies to work in unison with each part, it makes sense why things become more difficult even though he still has use of his legs. One night a while back when we were leaving a movie, I said to Eric "lets run to the car because it's so cold" and he said I can't run and I instantly thought, oh no, what is wrong with your legs! He said he couldn't run because his arms don't swing in synch with his legs and he would fall. It's hard when things like this happen and I worry alot about Eric's safety since he is so tall and falling could really injure him as he did when he broke his arm rollerblading the week before we left for Mayo.
Some prayer requests:
-Madison to feel better soon and the rest of us not to catch what she has, especially Eric
-Safety for Eric every day and strength for his body and always for God's healing!
-Lori and the kids health insurance through the VA to be processed and approved ASAP as we are without insurance
Praise- Eric's Rilutek came today and he will be starting it, pray this will slow the progression combined with the Lithium and have minimal side effects

Thanks for your prayers!
Love,
Lori and Eric

Exciting New Human ALS Trial: Lithium and Riluzole

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Exciting New Human ALS Trial: Lithium and Riluzole
Recently, a study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, by an Italian group of scientists and clinicians examining the ability of lithium to increase the neuroprotective actions of riluzole in ALS mice and patients.
This study was highly significant in that it showed, for the first time, a marked potentiation of the actions of riluzole in ALS patients. It showed that riluzole and lithium - combined - were far more effective than riluzole alone at increasing survival and slowing disease in ALS patients.
Although riluzole has been shown in multiple, large, independent human trials to be effective in ALS, its actions to slow disease are quite small. Lithium, a salt, has many, many actions in the nervous system but is best known for its ability to treat a very different brain disease: manic depression.
The combination of both lithium and riluzole in ALS patients appeared to keep patient alive longer and slow loss of breathing capacity and other clinical measures of disease progression.
To those of us who work very hard to translate science into effective therapeutics and to those who diagnose and manage ALS patients, this new study is extremely exciting.
It shows that drug combinations, when studied carefully, might actually very significantly slow down ALS and extend the lives of patients.
The actual study by the Italians was quite small. And the history of most modern medical research has taught us that small studies with patients need to be replicated with larger studies. All too often results of small studies are not reproduced when better and larger studies are carried out.
For this reason Packard Center clinicians and scientists are in the process of working with major ALS non-profits, the government, and European colleagues to move as quickly as possible to replicate this very small study with a larger one.
Details of the study will be reported as soon as we know more.
Does that mean patients should wait until a larger study of lithium and riluzole is complete before they consider taking the drug? Lithium is a drug very widely used for psychiatric disorders like manic depression. Its use must be monitored by physicians with appropriate physical exams and blood tests.
All patients interested in taking lithium plus riluzole should discuss this with their local physicians and/or neurologists.
The community of scientists and patients have all too often been disappointed with outcomes of ALS clinical trials, especially after we all get excited by experimental mouse data. But human trials provide the only data that really count.
We deeply hope that this novel combination of riluzole and lithium will turn out to be the “real thing” and we are collectively working hard to make that happen.


Jeffrey D. Rothstein MD, PhD

Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience Director,

Robert Packard Center for ALS Research