Compromise

It's been about a month since my first post and I'm thinking that a monthly update is a good interval so here we go.

It's vacation time at the Dent household. Spent an incredible week at a beachhouse on the California coast, a weekend up in the mountains above Napa Valley and am headed up to the Sierras this weekend and to Echo Lake (god's country as my dad calls it) all next week.

Is there anything better than watching the dolphins parade across the surf, playing golf with my three son's (Carly doesn't play yet), or just relaxing and enjoying a great meal and a few adult beverages with close friends and family? I think not.

The progression of ALS means there are certain physical things that you have to compromise, but it's certainly not the quality of relationships that I have with family and friends. And it's certainly not about compromising the values and morals that make me who I am. It actually makes them stronger and the relationships with family and friends, that I value so much, are growing stronger every day!

I'm nearing the end of the initial drug trial that I initially enrolled in and, with the incredible support of my mom, we're actively researching new studies and trying to make the right choice for the next one. It's a bit of a "crap shoot", or more like an educated guess, but I've always loved to gamble and I'm sure that I'll hit the jackpot somewhere along the way.

There are some great developments in research, including some gene therapy that looks promising as well as some combination drug therapies that are showing positive results in the lab.

My left arm is continuing to weaken and I'm beginning to feel a slight loss of strength in my right arm, but all that means is that I can't hit a golf ball quite as far. Where there's loss, there's also opportunity. I've been meaning to work on my short game for years and now I finally have the impetus to do so.

The fall brings several new fundraisers. The Walk to Defeat ALS on September 17th in Oakland (I know many of you are also participating in local walks across the country as well.. THANK YOU), and a golf tournament in Moraga on October 23rd. These events are a heck of a lot more than just fundraisers, they are an incredible opportunity to spend time with people that I care about the most.

Thanks again for all the incredible support and encouragement over the last 6 months. I'm in this for the long haul and know that all of you will be there when I cross the finish line.

Cheers!

DD (NC) Never Compromise