IDA GRACE CUSHING:

In July of 2004, my grandmother Ida Grace Cushing was formally diagnosed with ALS, although the health decline started maybe in April 2004. As a die-hard Yankee fan she knew the disease well and knew what was coming her way. She stayed as active as possible, came to my softball games, my middle school graduation, and even in July took me out for my birthday lunch. Between July to November, she suffered a numerous amount of strokes. The last time I saw her, in her own home, was November 1st, 2004; her birthday, All Saints Day.

Those strokes ultimately impaired her severely, she then entered the hospital a few days prior to Thanksgiving 2004. She told my mother, "I want to go home because I know this is my last trip and I want to die at home not here." Can you imagine what that feels like? To know, 'this is it'.

For about a week, she stayed in the hospital - monitoring everything. We all knew she wasn't coming home. I was told I'd get 3 calls, one saying she was in the hospital, one for her getting worse, and one if she passed.

There were days I sat with her, completely unable to understand most of what she said, but I sat there and listened and talked. One memory I hold dear, truly expressed how certain she was of her impending death and her want to make any wrongs right before she left.

When I got the 2nd call I left school and sat by her bed. She couldn't speak couldn't open her eyes, but she was there. I asked her if she knew I was there, and she made a noise through her breathing tubes. I asked if she was in pain and she cried, through her closed eyes. I knew then she needed to go, as much as I didn't want her to leave, she needed the peace she deserved. I never left her side that day, because no matter what I did in life, how bad, how silly how irresponsible: she never left me. 

The next day I got my last call. December 2nd 2004, after another stroke - my grandmother, Ida Santa Grace Cushing, passed away mid-afternoon at the age of 70. I was 14 years old. And my world stopped.

It's hard to say - that I'm glad she only suffered so shortly, but when you see and hear about the long term ALS, your perspective changes.  

She was the type of woman you aspire to be. She gave strength to those who needed it most, an ear to those who needed someone to listen, a shoulder to cry on, and most of all she was a mother to everyone she met. Any one of my friends who I knew up until her passing, all resignate the same feeling - she was truly an angel sent from God.  And on December 2nd, God needed her back.

So let's walk for someone who no longer can. For all those who no longer can.  For someone who would've held you up to help you walk. Let's walk because she deserves to be honored.  

I love you all for helping me. It's so special to my heart. And I'll always be in your gratitude. And on her behalf, I thank you as well.

Love,

Ida's Granddaughter - Nicole

Why We Need Your Help:
Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk speak swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries. This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease though support is bringing researchers closer to an answer. In the mean time it costs an average of $200000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate or join a walk today.