What's the best thing I can do for my friend with ALS? - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Message Board

grammy2x · 02-02-2003, 01:59 PM

My friend Matt was diagnosed with ALS and the last thing I want to do is turn him into "the guy with ALS." My instincts say that not much in our relationship should change and that we should talk about the same things we always talk about - mainly work - but I want to make certain that he knows I'm there for him. I don't shy away from asking questions about ALS because I'm curious and I want to understand what he's going through, but I don't want that to be the only thing we talk about. I want him to be able to count on me as someone who cares about him and what he's going through. What I'm having a hard time with is the fine line between, "business as usual" and "poor Matt". Any advice?

Butterfly819 · 02-14-2003, 08:23 AM

my name is tammy & I'm 21 years old. I do have some advice on your situation. when I was 12 years old, i had found out my father had ALS, he died when I was 15. I'm not gonna lie to you, it's a horrible thing. When someone you love is diagnosed with such an awful disease. Some days will be very normal & yes it is possible to still be happy even though you feel everything will go wrong. You will still have your normal friendship, that won't change, but yet as time goes by he will need a lot of support & will need someone there to remind him how strong he is. Coming from my experience, I used to hear my father cry & say he wanted to die. one of the bad parts about this disease is your whole body is effected, but your mind stays aware of everything that is going on. I really feel for you & your friend because I know exactly what you're going through. Just be there to love & support him, that is my best advice. I'm really sorry.