Will Fight Forever

I don't remember the first time I ever heard of Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), but I do remember the first time it entered my families' lives and changed it forever. That date was September 12, 2007 when my mother, Susan Cox was diagnosed with ALS and our new altered reality began. Strong is a word that we most commonly use to describe our mom. She has given us so many examples of strenth through the years. Whether it was making tough parenting decisions, working extra jobs or hours to make ends meet, going the extra mile on her evening jog, finding laughter through tears, or by sharing some of her surplus strength with those she loves...mom always defined what it takes to be strong. When we were growing up, my mother was not like other mothers that we knew. She taught us so many lessons that were not "popular" and certainly were not what other families were doing. We recycled everything from butter tubs to aluminum cans; in addition we volunteered for Special Olympics and served food to the homeless on Thanksgivings. Growing up we also spent a lot of time hiking, camping, or tubing down the Salt River. We were always out in nature doing something. When we weren't doing that, we were involved in sports, running 10K's or bicycling in distance races as a family. My mother taught my three brothers and I to conserve, to give back, to respect nature, and to be active and athletic. There is a cruel irony in my mother's battle with ALS. She faced this disease with a deep faith in God and a 100% positive attitude. There is no cure and very little treatment options for this disease but there are people like my mother to give us hope and keep us fighting until one day we find a cure! Unfortunately, any treatment or cure will come to late for our family...my mother bravely ended her battle with ALS on September 2, 2008. We miss her everyday and we will never give up the fight!!