Yesterday I Couldn't Pick up A book, Today I Can't Comb My Hair

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A few days ago, some photos started trending across Chinese social media.

On 17th June 2018, Zhang Wei from East China successfully reached the peak of the 1,532-meter-high Mount Tai after over 10 hours' climbing, accomplishing his dream.

He is 175cm, but weights only 25KG. During the climb, he could only use the little arm muscle he has to support his body. To make it up to each stage of the climb, he has to spend 3 times energy than normal people. The sweat on his forehead blurred his eyes. His palms and arms were rubbed red and swollen, but he insisted on taking the challenge.

He proved that with courage, perseverance and determination all is possible. "I want to do more meaningful things in limited a time. Even if I can't move someday, I'll have no regrets!" Zhang Wei said.

Web users were moved by his determination and optimism.

Zhangwei is just one example of a patient with this rare disease - ALS  (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease). It is a scary disease faced by some in this world. 

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What is ALS?

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. A-myo-trophic comes from the Greek language. "A" means no. "Myo" refers to muscle, and "Trophic" means nourishment – "No muscle nourishment." When a muscle has no nourishment, it "atrophies" or wastes away. "Lateral" identifies the areas in a person's spinal cord where portions of the nerve cells that signal and control the muscles are located. As this area degenerates, it leads to scarring or hardening ("sclerosis") in the region.

It is a degenerative disease that will make you lose your motor ability.

Today

You can’t pick up a book.

Tomorrow

You can't comb your hair. 

As the time passes

Your arm can’t be crossed like a normal person.

Natural and unrestrained motion becomes more difficult.

Gradually

The lower limbs are inevitably affected. 

It only takes 10 more months 

You will lose lower body ability, from being able to cycle around Qinghai lake to climbing two floors.

Eventually

Muscles needed for your lungs to work will suffer.

Even taking one breath of oxygen will be difficult.

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Who gets ALS?

According to the ALS CARE Database, the prevalence of ALS of 5/100,000. Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 55 and 75. Generally though, ALS occurs in greater percentages as men and women grow older. ALS is 20% more common in men than in women. 

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ALS still has no cure. But if it’s diagnosed early, you may be able to treat some symptoms and keep your muscle control a little longer.

Early Symptoms

Signs of ALS can appear gradually.

You may notice a funny feeling in your hand that makes it harder to grip the steering wheel. Or, you may start to slur your words before any other symptoms show up. Each person with the disease feels different symptoms, especially at first.

Some common early symptoms include:

- Stumbling 

- A hard time holding items with your hands

- Slurred speech

- Swallowing problems

- Muscle cramps

- Worsening posture 

- A hard time holding your head up Muscle stiffness

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One of the most famous ALS patients was Stephen Hawking.

Stephen Hawking passed away on 14th March 2018

He was diagnosed with ALS in his youth; he lost the ability to speak and control his muscles, and eventually only eyes and 3 fingers could move.

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Lv Tao, a 29-year-old Beijing University Ph.D student

She was optimistic when facing the horrible ALS, with a smile always on her face.

She left a 'testament' in her will in which she wished to donate all her organs to save others life.

Lv Tao’s Testament

The length of life can not define life’s meaning, but the quality and thickness. I want to die with dignity. Hope my mom and dad enjoy a happy and worry-free life.

After my death, my body can be used for medical research to overcome this tough problem – treatment methods for ALS, helping other ALS sufferers get through the torture.

Please follow my will: Please donate the rest organs to patients who are in need of cure. After my body is cremated, please sprinkle my ashes into the Yangtze river - no need to occupy any land to bury me, as I don’t want to be society’s burden.

Don’t hold a funeral and take friends and relatives’  reimburse expense. I wish to leave as if I never came, quietly and without any trace.

Many web users felt moved by her action and supported her:

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Do you remember the 'Ice bucket challenge' in 2014? 

It was an activity for fund-raising for ASL. 

Facebook founder - Mark Zuckerberg took the 'Ice bucket challenge'.

Bill Gates took 'Ice bucket challenge'.

But

Not everyone knows,

Every year's on 21st June is World ALS day. 

After 4 years, people have gradually forgotten the videos and the good cause that came with them. 

ALS patients need more care and love to ease their pain and suffering.

Our empressement lightens their hope of life. 

Please share this article to let people know more about this disease.

Source: Xinhua Net

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