In 2013, my neurologist told me I had two to fives years to live. I was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Some call it that Ice Bucket Challenge disease. Whatever you call it, it’s a fatal diagnosis with no effective treatment or cure. Yet I have much to live for and I’m determined to live in gratitude and joy regardless of circumstance.
I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. I’m a veteran, author, educator, and advocate. It’s what I do. It’s who I am. I feel alive when while I’m encouraging others to live their best life.
Thanks for being on this journey with me.
Shelly Hoover 
January 9, 2020 at 1:30 am
Hi Shelly. Renate (Auny) Gagne is your friend as well as my beautiful wife of 50+ years.
My mom, Mildred, had ALS.
Now my friend and fellow USAF veteran, Anne, was diagnosed with ALS yesterday.
I’m sharing your website and blog with her because you’re so very brave, strong in the Lord and encouraging.
I thank God for you!
-Denny
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April 29, 2020 at 1:30 am
Hi Shelley. I was in Kiwanis with you. I married 5 years ago to an amazing man. He was in the Air Force 24 years. Mixed agent orange since he was in weapons. He was just diagnosed this February of AL S. He has a positive attitude. He has lost 80 lbs. used the trilogy. Your son just delivered his backup wheel chair. It is encouraging to know u have survived 8 years. Isabelle Roman nelesen.
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September 11, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Hi Shelly, Found your short story to Melissa Hunter @mellisaFTW (January 2020).
Congratulations on your success! My name is Carol Marak, soon to be a published author of, Solo and Smart, a book. If you’re willing, I’d like to interview you.
The chapter (your story would be featured in) talks about the people like you who have found purpose in one’s life after retirement or later in life. And it sounds like you have done just that.
May I share your story in my book? Carebuzz @ gmail dot com Thank you, Carol
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March 14, 2022 at 12:07 am
Do you remember working with me at McClellan high school?
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October 19, 2023 at 2:46 pm
Hi Shelly!
I met you last weekend at the ALS golf tournament. I spoke with you about our shared career choice as educators! Also discussed books! I gave you a list of some of my favorites! I just started reading Timeless Sisters and l had to chuckle at the line, “I needed to add this to my bookshelf of unused professional development binders.”
I thoroughly enjoyed talking with you, and I am enjoying Timeless Sisters!!!
Sincerely,
Lauri Hyde, fellow educator💞
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August 20, 2024 at 2:08 am
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 vinehealthcentre. com 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 symptoms of ALS, he no longer requires a feeding tube, sleeps soundly, works out frequently, and is now very active. In the hopes that it could be useful, I thought I would relate my husband’s tale; in the end, you have to do what suits you the best.
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