Sharon was ALSGA's first volunteer. We wouldn't be where we are without her help. Over the weeks I noticed changes. She stopped walking,. Then stopped driving. I began having problems understanding her speech. She become so fatigued, I tol;d her to focus on herself, and regretfully reali...zed she had to stop helping us. I last saw her August '09. Her breathing became very labored. We spoke about venting frequently. She went to the hospital for the procedure. I was relieved. Then I got the following email from her friend. I eliminated most of it for space reasons.
"The decision to vent was sidelined as her family could not find a local facility that would handle " Accute Care " patients, under the terms of Medicare. Our caregiver group, which had been providing Sharon with Home Care, felt that they could not continue. Sharon decided that being sent to a facility out of town was not something she wanted. Her family decided that returning back home would not be goeod. The doctor gave her approx. 4 months and because her grandson resides in the home, it was decided that dying in his presence was not something anyone wanted. If you could spread this news to other
ALS friends Sharon had correspondence with, I would be appreciative. Sharon was so thankful for the ties she made within the
ALS farmily.
If you know Sharon, please let her know how much you care. She's at: Brookside Health Care, 105 Terracina Blvd., Redlands, Ca. 92373.
Sharon Caruthers 
