Praying My Way Through ALS
Hi, my name is Kate.
I’m a wife, mother, grandmother and sister, and have been living with slow-progressing Upper Motor Neuron Dominant ALS for 20 years. (Some call it PLS and I’ll cover that later.) My story is a tapestry of blessings and challenges, courage and loss, and last but not least humor.
I’ve had enormous help along the way as you’ll see and that’s a big part of why I’m writing this blog. There is a surprisingly large gap between what neurologists explain and what patients need to know. The neurologists cover the science and God handles the rest of the curriculum.
Whether you find yourself knee deep in a difficult diagnosis, or are walking alongside one or curious what a life altering diagnosis looks like behind the scenes, this blog is for you.
I’ll be here every Tuesday sharing my walk – the hard chapters, the funny chapters, the grace-filled chapters and the only God knows what that was chapters. We all have stories and I would love to hear your stories too.
The Quiet Beginnings of ALS
Three parts. One story. Denial is a gift.
Part 1/3
Ignorance Was Bliss
No sooner did I feel it, than I'd forget about it, because it happened so infrequently. It's only by looking back that I am able to piece together the first few years of my symptoms.
Part 2/3
One Small Sentence
I walked into that room positive I would leave with a hopeful, treatable condition. A new lease on life after being on hold for three years. Instead, ALS slammed the door shut on my dreams.
Part 3/3
When Irony Roars
The irony of my ALS diagnosis was staggering. I couldn't help but think of the cruel twist of fate my ALS would have on my husband.
10 Things You Might Not Know About Me
01
Laughter over Tears
I'm a laugher, not a crier. It's been a blessing and a curse my whole life. Think — bursting out into uncontrollable laughter at the most inappropriate times imaginable.
02
Irish Roots
There are two kinds of people in this world, according to my very Irish relatives. Those that are Irish, and those that wish they were Irish.
03
The Ivory Tower
I dreamed of being the female version of Michael Feinstein. After 4 grueling years of piano lessons from the not-for-the-faint-of-heart Miss Elson, I finally hung up the ivories.
04
The Saga
In the summer of 2024, I was bitten by a bat. I'll never be the same, and neither will you after you read my saga.
05
High Places
After college, my good friend hired me as a temp in jobs I had no business being in. It was one of the most fun and unintentionally hilarious jobs I've ever had.
06
The Silver Screen
My favorite Christmas movie is The Bishop's Wife. A 1947 gem starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven.
07
KTG
KTG “Kate the Great” is a nickname given to me by my college bestie. We are both Irish ☘️, so take it with a healthy pinch of blarney.
08
Cigar Factory
Cigar smoke warms the cockles of my heart. My dad's car was a rolling cigar smoke factory and even now, I can never get enough of it.
09
Life Jackets
ALS isn't pretty, but it has its moments of being pretty funny. God's grace and humor are my life jackets.
10
The Comedian
My favorite comedian is God — hands down. Nobody does irony better than Him.
Highlighting disabled creators, ALS awareness, and things that bring joy.
Leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research.
People You Should Know
More creators, resources, and people I love — check back soon!
