People and Loved Ones Coping and Dealing With ALS ...

Summary: People and Loved Ones Coping and Dealing With ALS ...

Pic: Oct. 1, 2017, White Oak Plantation, Donna Britt Day,
Lee Meredith, Jay Grymes, Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, Donna Britt

Donna Britt (Day/Song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=dvO9nd4ZMrI

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“Hey Scott, how are you, buddy? … it's been so long since i've seen ya!” I asked my late cousin back in late August of 2008, as we met near the entrance to the School Sisters of Notre Dame Motherhouse in Chatawa, Mississippi

Both Scott and our families had evacuated from the then approaching Hurricane Gustav … us from Redstick and Scott from da Big Easy.

Scott looked good ... he was my age, but I noticed that he couldn't use one side of his upper body as easily when I went to hug him.

These memories are crashing in now on me as we all have just unfortunately entered the “5th Season,” as the weather forecasters note about hurricanes … but these reflections are also being edged on because of the recent CCC – Crescent City Classic 10K that I participated in with a group for a cause.

“So Scott, isn't it neat how we were able get away from Gustav – which looks like a monster – and to also come and see Sr. Joselia Kleinpeter?” - then our mutual aunt, who is now deceased, after having died on St. Patrick's Day, 2016 after living 99 years and 11 months!

“Yes,” Scott noted as we then enjoyed a beer or two that his father, my Uncle Vic, had offered us … and we made a toast right then and there to the nuns for their kind accommodations … including allowing pets.

This was the first trip for our then young 1 month old petite puppy, Nellie, who was getting a lot of attention … affectionate from everyone, except the other canines, who all were bigger!

Maria, my better-half, noted that little quiet Nellie was prompted per all of the dogs attention to bark for the first time we had ever heard!

Scott smiled from ear to ear … as was so much part and parcel of his loving demeanor … when he saw Nellie … and Sr. Joselia later.

Fast forward to March 14, 2012 … long after Gustav … but after more severe storms that Scott had faced with ALS … this was the date of his funeral at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in N'Awlins where I met Steve Gleason, who had come to offer his support like so many folks had also done.

Uncle Vic, Aunt Frankie and so many family, friends and others provided so much love, care and attention to Scott as he had dealt with the illness.

And I got to see Steve Gleason a few weeks ago when I joined a fun Beer, Crawfish and other goodies gathering with other members of Team Gleason, which I had run with per the CCC, at the Ugly Dog Saloon in New Orleans.

What a blessing it was for me then to make a toast with a brew for Scott and others in the presence of Steve Gleason!

Not long after the gathering, I was also blessed to be able to give my CCC Team Gleason t-shirt and medal to a client I know dealing with ALS.

And it is neat that we now have a clinic in Baton Rouge at Our Lady of the Lake RMC dedicated specifically to ALS concerns.

Also, it was cool last year on October 1st to attend “Donna Britt Day” at White Oak Plantation … she continues to inspire all of us, as she deals with this same concern … and reminds us all to continue to be vigilant with continuing to be supportive of all who are dealing with ALS … and to one day hopefully be able to see its cure in place ….

Kudos and Prayers for Donna ....

Donna Britt Day Song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvO9nd4ZMrI

This is a song for Donna Britt
And for all with ALS too
She inspires us with love and her keen wit
So let's honor her for true

This is a very special day
Thanks to John Folse and the ALS Team
Donna, we're with you, this we surely pray
Let's all join in singing this caring theme (Chorus)
so let's sing:

(Chorus) Donna Britt Day
Donna Britt Day
We love our Donna dearly
She's loved us all the way

You anchor us on 9 News with care
And are helping others who have to bear
This weakness that drains you but you humbly share
You will always be with us shining on the Air