Updates From David

Let us end the year on a high note with a little conversation and a different way to get to know me. PLEASE SHARE AND LISTEN I was invited onto Elaine’s Literary Salon podcast where we discussed my book “Beholder Of The Eyes” and my fight with ALS. Listen on: • The homepage of  https://elainesliterarysalon.com ( https://elainesliterarysalon.com/category/authors/ ) ◦ The Author’s page:  https://elainesliterarysalon.com/category/authors/   • The homepage of my radio network

For some this is not the most wonderful time of the year. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is more than a disease of the body, it’s a condition that deeply affects the minds and hearts of everyone it touches. While its physical symptoms are often visible to all, the loss of speech, movement, and independence - and the emotional and mental toll these changes takes - often remains unseen. Depression is one of the most common and least talked about challenges for people livin

As I sit here thinking about the question, “What do I miss the most?”  of course, it’s gelato. It’s easier to dwell on the past, but I would rather think about the future. “What future could you have? You’re dying from ALS!” You see, I know I will go to heaven, and I will be whole again. However, I also believe there will be a cure in the near future, and I will be healed. As I think about how much I’ve grown since my diagnosis, I thank God for this opportunity. Most people d

Have you ever looked back at your day or week and think, “Wow, that was great. I’m so thankful.” Last week was one of those weeks for me. It started when my book, Beholder of the Eyes 👀 — (insert shameless plug 👉 now listed on Amazon !) — was selected as Book of the Month by a book club. After being chosen as one of three books up for a Facebook vote on Momma T’s Books, fans overwhelmingly voted for B.O.T.E. Why is this significant, you ask? Well, besides being recognized b

Recently a friend asked me if I ever got bored just sitting all day. That question made me pause. At first, I didn’t know how to answer. Then I thought about what my days really look like and it hit me - I’m actually quite busy. When I wake up around 9 a.m., the first thing I do is open my Bible app and read. It helps center me and gives my day purpose before it even begins. By the time I finish, my nurse comes in to prepare me for the day with my morning care, stretching, an

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease advances, individuals face increasingly challenging symptoms and complications. End-stage ALS, specifically, marks a phase where the disease has progressed significantly, and the focus shifts to palliative care and quality of life. What is End-Stage ALS? End-stage ALS typically occur

It was a sunny 66 degrees as hundreds of friends, family members, and caregivers gathered by the outdoor stage at the National Harbor. We all listened and cheered when our emcee, Paul Jeter, announced that we collectively raised over $400,000 for the 2025 Walk to Defeat ALS. The walk was originally scheduled for October 4 at the National Monument, as it had been every year before. However, the government shutdown closed the national parks as well. The ALS Association quickly

Have you ever plunged into a novel with your book club, emerging with a storm of questions about that shocking plot twist or lingering cliffhanger? The ensuing debates dissecting character motivations, speculating on endings, and exchanging personal takeaways are often the best part. But imagine bypassing the guesswork and directing those queries right to the author? That's the magic I bring to my book. When a book club contacts me for a meet-and-greet Q&A, we set up a virtua

When I first got my tracheostomy, one of my biggest fears was choking on mucus or having something go down my esophagus. I couldn’t imagine how horrifying that would be. I was afraid to shower and definitely avoided putting anything in my mouth. I would even panic during dental cleanings if my caregiver used too much water. After battling pneumonia twice and emerging victorious, I wasn’t looking for a trilogy. Over the years I have often dreamt of drinking a cup of coffee or

I wrote my first chapter on  11 September 2022, an introduction titled "I Have ALS, Now What?"   Now - as I write post 150 - I am amazed I made it this far. I am not talking about my living with ALS either... that’s the easy part and gives me something to write about. I’m talking about writing a post almost every Monday since. I want to thank you all for taking time to read it and respond. Some of you have been following me from day one, and others might have some catching up

When I started the process of going down the long road of ALS, the biggest issue for me was drooling like a dog. Like most PALS I tried...

Someone recently asked what keeps me motivated to keep living, instead of just letting go knowing you are going to die? My answer, “If...

Over the last few months I have been fixated on watching food eating challenges. Don’t laugh - I challenge you to watch a woman who’s 110...

I was going to write about something else this week, but then my wife Laura took a great video of my six month trach change and check up,...

I don’t know about you, but I really love when I get a text/email asking for help. Not spam or some other BS, but the kind of message...