In recognition of National Volunteer Month, we are shining a spotlight on some of our amazing, dedicated volunteers and highlighting the incredible work they are doing to support our mission and make a difference for people living with ALS and their families.
Time is a precious commodity, and as much as we’d sometimes like to, none of us can add hours to the day. So what we choose to do with that precious commodity can say a lot about what is important to us. This is even more so for people living with ALS and their families, for whom time is very, very precious indeed.
We’ve shared the story of Michael and Wendy Wilson with you here on multiple occasions. They live in Oklahoma City with their daughter, Londyn, and two dogs, Luna and Sparky. Michael was diagnosed with ALS in 2017 at the age of 35.
Wendy is a registered dietitian and lactation consultant in private practice. Michael had been a manager of the mechanical engineering department of a local architectural and engineering firm. But that all changed with his diagnosis. Now, Wendy cares for Michael while still working when she can.
But they both still volunteer their time with us, serving on the local community leadership council in Oklahoma and other committees focused on care services and caregiving. “We have been fortunate our progression has been slower than most other families face,” Wendy said.
But time is precious, and Wendy and Michael have made it clear they aren’t interested in just talking about how things could be better. “We want to see more cooperation and collaboration between the various ALS advocacy groups because with our forces combined, we can do bigger and better things,” Wendy said.
“There is no point of working in silos or against each other because that’s when efforts are redundant and other needs fall through the cracks. We have and continue to speak with the ALS Association, and they have and continue to listen and work for us. And we appreciate every one of them for all that they do.”
They also see the value in having many different types of people, with different perspectives, being part of the ALS community.
Time is precious, but when the gift of time is given to something near and dear to your heart, the impact you can make can be profound. “When we continue to show up, we are able to hold everyone accountable and see the things happening behind the scenes for us,” Wendy said. “Just follow where your heart takes you and don’t be afraid to jump in because you could make significant and meaningful change in someone’s life.”
Thank you, Michael and Wendy, for allowing us to share more of your inspiring story this month. And thank you to all of our volunteers who so graciously give their time to help support the ALS community. We could not do what we do without you!
To learn more about how you can get involved in the fight against ALS, visit our website HERE.
To continue following stories about people living with ALS in the community and learn more about the disease, subscribe to receive our weekly blogs in your inbox HERE or follow us at als.org/blog.
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