Steve Lufkin - ALS TDI Website

Steve Lufkin

Husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, coach, and PALS (Person with ALS).

Steve was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), or Lou Gehrig disease, in the spring of 2014.  The road to a diagnosis was long. In hindsight, the symptoms began in the spring of 2013, when he experienced cramps in his left leg while hiking on spring break. By the time of the State Fair in August of 2013, Steve was limping slightly and needed to take more breaks to stretch out his calf, so he could walk normally. As time went on, his wife, Stacy, noticed that his left foot was hitting harder than his right when he walked.  She suggested that he see her chiropractor...and so began his “official” journey.  Thankfully, after six weeks the chiropractor, in due diligence, ordered MIR’s and felt he needed to look further into this issue.  Months later, after several doctors, and many tests, MRI’s, appointments, and through the process of elimination, Steve was diagnosed with ALS.

Steve has much to be thankful for... It seems that he has a slower progressing form of ALS, and God-willing, he will beat the 3-5 year life expectancy for PALS.  One of the problems with ALS is that it affects people differently.  In addition, doctors do not know how or why it starts, where it starts, how it will progress, or how we can effectively slow it down… much less cure it!  At this point, there is no cure and it is considered a terminal illness.  

Yet, like many with ALS, Steve has chosen to take on this fight with faith, courage, and a positive attitude! Thankfully, he does not have to fight this alone.  He has his wife, Stacy, sons- Isaiah and Zachariah, his family, and many friends and former students to support him in this fight!  

He also has an amazing network of support in the ALS Community; from his medical team at HCMC’s ALS Clinic in Minneapolis, the ALSA support group, the ALS Staff at the MDA, and of course at ALS TDI and the ALS Bike Trek Minnesota.

From the beginning, Steve and his family have chosen to approach this in a positive manner … believing in the best, praying for miracles and time together; but, also being realistic and proactive in their approach to dealing with ALS and the changes it will bring to their lives.  One of the first things they did was set some “rules” for their family and friends ……

1. Have Faith -- God IS good … ALS is NOT part of HIS perfect plan.

2. Focus on the positive

3. Look for the Blessings in Life

4. Remember that crying is good - and okay to do! (Even in front of Steve!)

5. Hugs and High-Fives are important! (Steve wants and needs these even when he can’t give them back!)

6. Communicate your thoughts and feelings … This is key!

Thank you for checking out this website and we hope that you will consider giving to ALS TDI as part of the 2015 Henry Sibley GOFA Week fundraising events, participating in the ALS Bike Trek Minnesota, and future events. Thank you also for your support and friendship, it gives hope to those who are affected by ALS.

We need to fund research to FIND A CURE so families can have their loved ones around for a long time!!  May God bless you as much as he has blessed us!

The money donated to this site goes to support the research of ALS TDI.  It does not support our family.  In the future we will have financial needs as ALS takes a bigger toll on Steve’s health and ability to work.  At that point, we will communicate how you can help us personally.

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