Commitment to a Cure

Judy and Alan Stuart had been married just four years when Alan was diagnosed with ALS in 1977.  “After Alan was diagnosed, we found our way to ALSOA, the predecessor organization to The ALS Association,” recalls Judy.  “Back in those days, most doctors knew very little about ALS and we were essentially told, ‘you have ALS, you probably have 2-2 ½ years to live, there’s no treatment, good luck.”

At the time of Alan’s diagnosis, Judy had given up working and was raising their five-month-old son, Seth.  “By the time Seth was three years old, he was helping Daddy get dressed – instead of the other way around,” Judy says.

Alan lost his battle with ALS in 1983 at the age of 62.  Since then, Judy has made a commitment to play a role in the search for a cure, in Alan’s memory.  “I plan to support The ALS Association the rest of my life,” she states.  “I feel it is an obligation to Alan’s memory, and to what he left me.  I want to support the search, but certainly hope the answer will be found before I’m gone.”

Recently, Judy reaffirmed her commitment by naming The ALS Association in her estate plans and joining The Legacy Society.  “I finally got around to setting up a revocable trust,” explains Judy.  “I designated a dollar amount to The Association before addressing the needs of my family.  I have designated the gift to research and hope to help find the underlying cause, advance the treatments available – and hopefully, find a cure.”  Judy also encourages others to consider their legacy.  “I hope anyone who has ever been touched by ALS will consider doing the same.”

Judy is excited about what the future holds and about The ALS Association’s role.  “I am especially hopeful about future developments in stem cell research and nanotechnology.  It’s very gratifying to know that The Association is there for today’s patients and families, that so much help is available.  Today’s ALS patients are not alone.”

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To learn about how you can leave a legacy of hope to The ALS Association, please call toll-free at (888) 949-2577, or visit The Association’s gift planning web site at http://www.legacy.vg/alsa.