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Writer's pictureALS Double Play

Your friend has ALS. Now what?


I still remember the day my brother told me what the doctor told him. He had ALS, a progressive disease that will surely end in death, and two to five years no less. First was shock. Then came the hours of online research. Everything came back the same; I would no longer have a brother in two to five years.

Everyone handles news like this differently. It was early fall for us. People know that Christopher was having trouble walking, but no one thought it was serious. Some of his friends even made of him, thinking, he would get better soon. Not so much.

Christopher chose not to tell his friends, nor our family members right away. When he did, everyone reacted differently.

How would you react if one of your very best friends told you they had a fatal disease with no effective treatment?


Here are a few suggestions on how to help a friend with a fatal or progressive illness.

1. Saying something can be much better than saying nothing.

Let your friend know you are there. Listen. Respond when appropriate. If you don’t know what to say, say that. Your friend will appreciate you being honest rather than you sharing platitudes.

2. Treat your friend how they want to be treated.

Not everyone deals with difficult news the same way. Don’t think about what you need. What does your friend need? Unsure? Ask your friend. Keep in mind, what they need today, may not be the same tomorrow. Check in with them regularly.

3. Know that some days are especially difficult.

Check in our your friend. Some days can be really tough. Be there and let them know you are available if they need help.

4. Be there.

Some people have many reasons they do not want to visit a sick friend, let alone a friend who is dying. They do not know what to say, or do not want to see their friend sick, whatever the reason, it is their own. Your sick friend may perceive these “reasons” as selfish. Remember, all they need is for you to be there, so be there for them.

5. Above all show empathy.

Acknowledge their pain. Share how you feel, but be sure not to overwhelm them. You don’t want a person living with ALS feeling like they have caused you pain.

Show gratitude and interest in their situation. Gratitude that they have opened up to you; interest in how you might help them through this difficult time.

Be encouraging and supportive; actions can often speak louder than words here. Write a note, assist with difficult or tiring tasks.

There is no right way for showing you care when someone you love is diagnosed with a disease like ALS. The most important parts are showing up for them and continuing to be the friend you are.




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6 Comments


vera balogun
vera balogun
Oct 28

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vera balogun
vera balogun
Oct 28

I am deeply sorry for all your condition, sending prayers and lots of love for your quick recovery from multivitamincare .org I strongly believe that this information I am about sharing with you will massively help you in all ramifications so Check out this amazing supporting page MULTIVITAMIN HERBAL CARE for Any information you seek and possible alternative treatments for MND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that can help your situation. They really helped me and I trust them with my life. Godspeed and quick recovery.

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Hazel Clara
Hazel Clara
Sep 25

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cory meron
cory meron
Aug 07

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Meyar Clarke
Meyar Clarke
Jul 15

Last year, my 68-year-old partner was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease also known as ALS. Speaking and swallowing were two of his challenges. His collapse was swift and catastrophic, and neither the riluzole nor the medical staff did much to aid him. He would not have survived if our primary care physician hadn't given him attentive care and attention, as the hospital center didn't provide any psychological support. His fall was abrupt and catastrophic. His hands and legs gave way to weakness in his arms. This year our family physician suggested using naturalherbscentre. com for ALS/MND treatment, which my husband has been receiving for a few months now. I'm delighted to say that the treatment greatly reduced and reversed his…

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