So you think we’ve come a long way. Well, in essence, you're right.
Recently I have lost a friend to ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. I have heard of several other cases. A woman I met a couple of months ago lost her husband to ALS during the summer. Like most, if not all ALS patients, he was fit before his diagnosis. He was in his 50s. My friend, Judy, also in her 50s, left behind a husband and 4 kids and several grandchildren. She died in '09.
I have a grandson with CF. He was diagnosed 7 years ago. He has just turned only 10. Statistics point to age 12 - that is when his health will go into decline. Young adults, just entering their 20s should not die because their lungs are too filled with phlegm that they can no longer breath on their own. They should not have to experience a double lung transplant only to die a year or so later, when the lungs are rejected.
I have a friend with Alzheimer’s Disease. Early onset. So far, so good. But like CF, ALS and Huntington’s, it is progressive. Eventually she will lose touch with reality. And we will lose who we once knew.
I know someone who’s family is afflicted with Huntington’s. It is another ravaging disease. I knew someone who had Parkinson’s. He died last year. I know of someone who has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's.
CF, ALS, Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s. Prognosis? Not good. Cure? None.
Erectile dysfunction. Cure? Well, researchers have come up with Cialis and Viagra. Whoopee do!
Nice to know research has its priorities.
