2015 Hershey ALS Walk for the Cure

Sorry that it has taken me so long to post this.  It has been a tough week for me physically.

My brother Forest flew in from Denver Thursday afternoon and drove to State College from Pittsburgh.  Brother Chuck drove his family and mom up from Charlotte Thursday night to Hershey.  My Aunt Geneva and cousin Frank flew in from Grand Junction and cousin Loraine flew in from Kansas City.

We were joined by Kim's mom Jean and Kim's brothers Pat and Kelly plus many good friends.  Many of my coworker friends from Baker walked with us, 5 of my friends from the Commonwealth walked, 2 of our neighbors from Mechanicsburg surprised me, and Kim's best friend KC and daughter Paige made the trip from State College.  I was honored and deeply touched by those who showed up to support us and also the many donors who made contributions.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

My hands aren't working well these days and it is getting harder to write the  blog so I am going to publish this incomplete and work on updating it later.

 

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ALS Clinic 6/1 and TMJ Therapy

Last Friday I had my first therapy session at Atlas Therapy.  Since I can't lie down and breathe and my allergies limit reclining capabilities, I sat in a chair for some massage therapy for my jaw and teeth clenching, grinding and pain.  It was somewhat painful but at the end of the 30 minute session I was able to open my mouth 2-3 times wider and smile better.  Kim and Jean were amazed at the results in my face.  We have  2 sessions scheduled each of the next 2 weeks.

Monday was my fifth ALS Clinic, and it was a long day.  We left the house at 8am and our first stop was at Baker to drop off my work computer, iPhone, badge, and credit card.  We also stopped at our realtors office to pick up something from the house the movers left behind.  Then we headed to Hershey for our clinic visit.

Didn't finish the respiratory testing due to a coughing/gagging episode, so didn't get a new FVC score.  Legs and arms were significantly weaker.  They recommended we start the process for an electronic wheelchair since it takes several months.  Right hand measured 10 instead of 20 in March, and left hand measured 20 vs 80 in March.  Since the Nutren 2.0 formula has been bothering my stomach they gave us 2 different cases of formula to try.  They both have fiber which the Nutren doesn't.

We checked in at the clinic at 11:45 and didn't walk out the door until 5pm, just in time for rush hour traffic.  Nothing to eat since we left the house.  We finally got home at 7:15, exhausted!

Friends and Spiritual Counseling

Jean had to go to Hershey on Wednesday last week so aide Stacie was here in the morning and friend Ellen came over to spend the afternoon with me.  Ellen and I talked for 2.5 hours and the time passed quickly!  Ellen also asked her pastor if she would be willing to visit me, and we both agreed to do so. Thank you Ellen for your friendship and compassion, and thank you to husband Bob also for time away from you and Christi!

Friend KC came over today to take me out for a walk.  It has been a week since my last walk outside and we took (for me) a long walk up to see our future condo.  It was nice, about 61 and breezy.  Walked for about 30 minutes and KC, Jean and I had a nice visit afterward.  KC and daughter Paige will join us at the walk this Saturday.

I have many friends who email me regularly.  Unfortunately with the move my Verizon email died, and my primary email is Jim.Knudson@gmail.com.

Rev. Susan and I met for the first time last Friday, and we're very comfortable with each other.  I have been wanting spiritual counseling for over a year, and I look forward to Rev. Susan's ministering and guidance.  She will come back next week to continue discussions and serve communion.

Many of you who read my blog are praying for me and have added me to your prayer circles and lists.  Please keep me and my family, especially Kim and Jean in your prayers.