For my family it really brought us together. Prior to mom's diagnosis, I never was in contact with her brothers and I speak with 2 of the 3 quite regularly now. Prior to diagnosed I spoke to my sister about twice a month, now she calls me 5 times a day. Additionally, my son got to know his cousins, my sister, and my mom for a brief period.
While going through the stages of the disease with mom was indescribable, it has given me a renewed sense of living each day. Mom's ALS was familial unfortunately so I do wonder very frequently if I will get it. I have an almost daily reminder within me to enjoy the moment even if I'm just driving down the road on my way to work. I think to look around, there is beauty everywhere.