Marianne Has ALS

Quick disclaimer: My life is overflowing with blessings. I am so thankful for the friends, family, and strangers who are in my life and who bless me with their kindness. God is good.

ALS is a progressive and debilitating disease that continually shrinks the world around you. A year ago I was taking walks with my family, dancing with my friends, volunteering at the school…basically living the life. Today I’m rolling instead of walking and coffee dates in lieu of dancing.

I miss my old life. I miss being able to move with grace and a smooth gait. I miss dancing with my friends in our Tuesday night Shine class. I was introduced to Shine by my good friend Krystal and I was hooked by the amazing community that offered support and acceptance. I miss the love and energy of those classes. Turns out the fitness community is pretty great and y’all should take a class asap.

A few weeks ago my super woman of a friend Krystal was talking to another superstar woman about a fundraiser she was putting on for Mother’s Day, she just needed a charity. It was then Krystal told her about my situation and BAM! I became the recipient of the fundraiser. Again, I say God is good.

On May 11th a team of instructors led a High Fitness class and raffle raising $1000. These funds will be used to help convert my garage into an accessible living space. I cannot express how much I appreciate the donation of time, items to the raffle, and of all the funds raised. More than the donations – I want to thank this groups of friends and strangers for the gift of hope and the reminder that I am not alone. These gifts are priceless.