Della Larsen, a retired kindergarten teacher and mother of three, was diagnosed with ALS in 2023. Throughout her life, Della has been dedicated to uplifting and supporting others. Now, she is sharing her story and asking for your support in the fight against this disease. Donate now and help us forge the path to deliver vital treatments for everyone battling ALS.
“I used to envision a future brimming with joy: witnessing my children build their families, cherishing moments with future grandchildren, and exploring the world. Now, imagining those moments brings tears to my eyes.
For me, living like you’re dying isn’t about skydiving or planning exotic trips—it’s about making a difference and leaving a legacy. It’s recording myself reading books for my future grandchildren so I can be with them in spirit, even if I’m not there to hold them.
My life changed forever on April 20, 2023. Months after I first noticed a persistent drag in my step, I sat beside my husband as we received the devastating diagnosis: ALS. The world stopped.
Hearing the news for myself was hard, but sharing it with my children was truly heart-wrenching. Their world, like mine, was irrevocably altered.
I was overwhelmed at the thought of all that ALS would rob me of—my future with my family, my independence, my ability to communicate. Despair loomed. But a glimmer of hope emerged from a wise friend’s words: ‘You still have much joy to have in your life.’ I clung to those words like a lifeline. Now, I know she was right.
Living with ALS is an ongoing battle, but amidst the challenges, gratitude prevails. My family’s unwavering determination to fundraise for ALS research fills me with immense pride. Their compassion is truly inspiring, and their support reminds me that there is still joy—even with ALS.
There is also hope. I know that everyone at the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) feels a sense of urgency to end this disease. I see the progress being made by their researchers, and I believe in my heart that there will be cures. ALS TDI is actively advancing two promising drugs toward clinical trials while continually identifying new therapeutic candidates. They are also pioneering studies to deepen our understanding of ALS, uncover risk factors, and discover novel biomarkers. They will not stop until we end ALS for everyone affected.
I hold onto hope for a treatment in time for me, but until then, I cherish every moment. While I may not be able to read to my future grandchildren as I once envisioned, I’ve created a YouTube channel for them. Through it, they’ll see me, hear me, and share in some of my favorite stories. Planning for their future brings me comfort, but it doesn’t mean I’ve given up.
As ALS gradually takes away my physical abilities, it only deepens my resolve to fight for cures and make a lasting impact.
Join me in the fight to end ALS. Donate today to fund life-saving research. Together, we can create a future free from this devastating disease.”
Sincerely,
Della Larsen
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