Crystal’s Story

August 2014, I felt the shock of cold water being poured over me as I participated in the ALS ice bucket challenge. Ironically, eight years later in August 2022 I felt a similar shock when I was given the diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, coworker, and friend, my life as I have previously known it, quickly changed. I had to leave my career as the HR Director of the YMCA of Greenville and try to find purpose in my new normal.

What I have found is that I love to share my knowledge of ALS with others and help those who are also diagnosed with sharing resources, tips, or products that are helpful; and just being an overall advocate for those of us with ALS.

In the short time I’ve been diagnosed with ALS, I definitely miss some of the things I used to enjoy being able to do, like crafting, going on hikes, swinging in a hammock, building Legos, or playing video games with my son, and just overall being independently active. But it has made me grateful for the small and simple things in life. Laughter with my son and husband is a highlight of my day.

Being diagnosed with a terminal illness is devastating. However, my family and I have chosen to see it as living with ALS, and just tackling each day as it comes, and enjoying what life has in that day.