Forward In Victory
Our story begins almost 50 years ago, at Appalachian State University. We have been married for 47-plus years now and we’ll have to say nothing until the ALS diagnosis has ever made us stop dead in our tracks as the day we found out. That day, July 14, 2025, will forever be a part of our story now. One of the hardest things was how to tell our two children and our six grandchildren that their dad and “Poppy” is very sick with this disease that shows no mercy. We told the children and held up at home in shock for probably a week before we felt like we could even move.
Our minds were spinning out of control because we had no idea where to turn. As we prayed, God led people into our lives that gave us guidance as well as friendships. I tore up the internet to find out anything that could help us out. We knew that this impossible disease was going to require a lot of unknowns but our ALS clinic was wonderful giving us information and that is where we learned about Touched By ALS.
After several weeks of shock and denial, we started realizing that we had to get our “ducks in a row” and do everything we could to fight as long as we could. Our lives have become a war zone, and we are fighting a battle for Rodney’s life. I have always been a proactive person and try to have everything ready before it is needed. After getting all of our affairs in order, as you do with a terminal illness like ALS, we started working on what we needed.
One of the first things we realized Rodney would need was a bed with an incline. I reached out to Touched By ALS, and we were able to get the adjustable bed he would need. Over several months, Touched By ALS supplied a toilet/shower chair seat and a rollator for Rodney’s use. I really don’t know how we would operate without those items that they supplied for us. Most recently, they are paying for me to have respite care 8 hours a week to watch over Rodney for me to be away from home briefly. Lastly, they just furnished a battery backup machine to support the ventilator in a power outage, until the fire department can come hook up the portable generator.
We cannot begin to tell you the difference that this support has meant for not only Rodney and me, but for our entire family. ALS not only robs a person of their health, but it also robs you of finances and comes in and takes over everything in your life, making things difficult at times.
We have our motto as “Forward In Victory”, which means for us, no matter the outcome of this illness, we will move forward, because we will attain Victory in the end with everlasting life. But until we reach that Victory, we will not give up or give in.
We show up every day; we have built a Team; we continue to fight. We hope and pray that one day a cure will be found, but until then we are grateful for Touched By ALS and their support for us. Giving and supporting Touched By ALS gives ALS families the possibility to keep going “Forward”.
ALS Team Ratchford
“Forward In Victory”
With deep sadness, we share that Rodney passed away on October 18, 2026, following his journey with ALS. His story, courage, and the legacy he leaves behind will continue to touch the lives of all who knew him.
