Ahead of the first annual Lou Gehrig's Day with the
@WVBlackBears
tomorrow, we interviewed S.E.T.H. Project founder
@SethPoling10
about his 9 years living with ALS:
One of the most eloquent and remarkable interviews we've done. See more with 5 Sports!
There is a beginning and end to every story; this is the end of my story, but this is not goodbye; it is a see you later. In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. Friends and family, THANK YOU. Please continue my fight to
#EndALS
.
๐ Tonight, my son asked my wife if he could lay on top of me if
#ALS
takes me away, so he could go to heaven with me. The innocence and love in his question shattered my heart.
Let's work together to
#EndALS
and ensure a future where no child has to ask these questions. โค๏ธ๐
My
#trach
change went okay, but I am going through the most difficult time during my 8-year
#ALS
journey. I am going through a MAJOR bout of
#depression
. The weight of limited time, loss of friends with ALS, seasonal anxiety, and daily struggles have me spiraling.
#EndALS
Just wanted to check in. Still kicking. Feeling pretty rough, but I got out of bed today. Physically and mentally exhausted. FU
#covid
#ALS
#depression
Then, I'm 28. Owned my own business, truck, house. Dating my future wife. I LOVED my life.
#ALS
stole that life.
Now, I'm 35. Permanently disabled. Own my own wheelchair, vent, eye gaze. Married w/ 2 kids. I LOVE the chance to live longer.
#NotTodayALS
Keep living & loving.
My 2nd shift caregiver called off due to 3 flat tires. My morning caregiver covered. Typically, we do 2 people transfers.
Just as she got ready, in walked my
@UPS
driver. He takes his lunch break w/ me everyday. Today he transferred me, changed my shirt & did it w/ a ๐
#ALS
1/2
The last 4 days have been HELL in
#ALS
land. My
#caregiver
of 3 yrs quit over text sending me into a tailspin. I contemplated hospice to ease the new burden of limited care on my wife. Thankfully 2 new caregivers came down from the Heavens. They start training today.
#NotTodayALS
Please wish me luck with my trach change today. It is not a normal change. They discontinued the one I used for the past year. The new one is supposed to be more comfortable. This is our last try before I have to get a trach revision.
#EndALS
I hate that
#ALS
has put so much on my wives shoulders at the age of 33! Single parent to 2 boys, caregiver, chef, house cleaner, snow shoveler, teacher, referee, butt wiper. I see the mental and physical exhaustion on her face, but love in her eyes.
#WonderWoman
#loveher
Yesterday, I was blindsided when my main caregiver quit over text. We've worked together for 3 years. Zero notice, zero reasoning. Our
#ALS
world has been turned upside down. I wish her the best moving forward, but WOW.
#heartbroken
Today, my sister is undergoing Whipple surgery for Ampullary cancer. Please send positive thoughts & prayers her way for a successful outcome.
My family has been dealing with a lot lately. My sister and I are fighting terminal illnesses
#EndALS
#EndCancer
As I battle ALS, all I yearn for is to be an ordinary dad, not a hero. But to my 5yr old son, I'm already a hero, despite the immense struggle I face.
ALS may limit me physically, but it can't touch the love & strength I pour into our bond. Cherishing each moment together.
#ALS
This morning, my 4yr old did the following :
Let the dog outside.
Put my glasses on.
Turned my eye gaze device on.
Told me good morning w/ a kiss.
Got under my covers.
Asked for cartoons.
#NotTodayALS
๐ฅฐ
That silly Max, the Elf, painted my toes. We have 2 boys who can't wait for Christmas.
Thanks to everyone who sent me well wishes, love & support. I'm grateful to have such an amazing support system. I have a long journey ahead, but I'm determined to keep forging on
#EndALS
First food since Monday after the GI bug. I have a slight lung infection and I am severely
#depressed
, but I made it to practice.
My sister has her port placement surgery for
#chemo
tomorrow. My oldest son turns 5 this weekend.
Please God, give us 5-6 good days. ๐
#EndALS
I usually wake up at 6am. I need cough assist, suction, head up & a extra blanket. This morning I rang
@erika_poling
. I looked over to see my 3yr old. "What do you need Daddy?" I'm cold, blanket & suction. He did ALL 3 + a hug!
#prouddad
#ALS
#thankful
#smile
***Proud Dad Moment***
Alas, my prayers have been answered. I finally found a PRN caregiver. How many 4 year olds can cough assist and suction their
#ALS
Hero.
#myboy
#nottodayals
@erika_poling
Every night, my favorite part of bedtime is when my wife says 'bedtime' and within moments, my boys sneak into my room, climb under the covers, and ask to watch cartoons ๐๐
One of them usually stays all night, squeezing my arm.
#ProudDad
#BoyzRoom
#EndALS
๐โค๏ธ
The last few weeks in
#ALS
land has been brutal. The pain of seeing friends pass away and struggle is unbearable.
As if this life isn't hard enough, but the relentless heartache SUCKS. It is becoming to much to bear. I f-ing hate ALS so much.๐ซ
Rough few days. I have had a small lung infection and have not been sleeping due to coughing. I am on the mend but deep in the trenches on the mental front.
Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.
#EndALS
Long day for the Polings.
-My son has pink eye, lung & ear infection
-Morning caregiver threw a tantrum & left
-Palliative care meeting today to plan March
-My sister had surgery today & received some scary news
Please, send positive vibes
#EndALS
So, this is 36.
I celebrated with what might be considered mundane to the average Joe, but I am no such thing. Today was the first time I went inside a restaurant in FOUR years. The boys loved the hibachi. they sang to me at home. I am so grateful for another year.
#NotTodayALS
I always dreamed of being a dad, but I couldn't fathom fatherhood while quadriplegic, only being able to move my eyes.
Recently, my boys have ignored me when I try to talk to them. I know they don't mean to, it's their age, but it hurts. My heart aches for my babies.
#EndALS
-Dinner for my mother-in-law's birthday on Friday night.
-Saturday night, I had my second panic attack in three days.
Sometimes, I am a rock, and other times I am as soft as mud.
#EndALS
In bed since Thursday with a fever/upset stomach. But it's not just my stomach that's upset. My tears have been flowing all day.
Tears for my tireless wife who never rests, for my sons who want to play. Tears for the loss of who I used to be & person I've become.
#EndALS
#Family
Today was a horrible day in
#ALS
land, so much so that I am in my feelings.
It is difficult to endure the constant bombardment of ALS. I can't quit because the law doesn't allow it. I can't continue at this pace. Wth am I supposed to do? I feel the need to keep going, & it sucks
Devastated to share that my afternoon caregiver of a year quit today over text due to her pregnancy. It's a heartbreaking loss to my
#ALS
journey, but I wish her all the best. Finding a new caregiver won't be easy, but I'll keep fighting.
#EndALS
#CaregiverShortage
I'm proud of myself. I have written 40 personalized letters to friends and family since January. Two of those writings are of my wedding speeches for both of my sons. I just finished writing a song for my boys and sent it to be produced.
#EndALS
I spent the morning planning a surprise birthday dinner for my wife. I made reservations, sent invitations, ordered a cake, arranged childcare, & I came up with a ruse. The last step was to tell my sister in law...
One BIG problem, I accidentally text my wife instead๐๐
#EndALS
I haven't spoken a single word by mouth in 15 months. Yet, my voice has been amplified by
#ALS
. The reach is ever expanding, but I still struggle to be heard by those in my daily life. Is this my perception or am I being discounted?
#easilyignored
#ALS
insomnia. Last night, I woke up to the worst feeling, a mucus plug, ZERO air in/out. I tried to alarm my wife, but I couldn't. I tried again, but nothing. I panicked & I was about to pass out, but my wife heard me grinding my teeth. A FULL blown panic attack ensued
#EndALS
6 years of battling
#ALS
: a mix of triumphs, heartache, and the unwavering power of support. Join me on my emotional rollercoaster as I reflect on my journey, celebrating accomplishments and shedding light on the realities.
Read my blog post here:
Day 13
#Covid_19
. I'm close to feeling normal. My youngest son was discharged from the hospital yesterday. He was so excited to see his brother and wish him happy birthday. What a exhausting 2 weeks
@erika_poling
#ALS
#brothers
Oh My Goodness FIREWORKS!
I had the BEST day today. We ate lunch at my favorite dive bar for hotdogs for my boys and a cold beer for this guy. We had family photo's, ice cream, and fireworks.
#NotTodayALS
Happy Mother's Day to my amazing wife Erika Poling! Her unwavering love and support for our family is truly inspiring. Check out this heartfelt tribute to her on my blog:
#MothersDay
#ALSAwarenessMonth
๐โค๏ธ
Life is hard. Marriage is hard. Raising children is hard.
#COVID19
is hard. Cold/flu season is hard.
#ALS
is hard.
Imagine being a younger 30 yr old wife & mother facing all of this physically alone.
@erika_poling
. It breaks my heart. This mother deserves a break...
#MothersDay
Great news!
My sister's recovery from ampullary cancer surgery is going well. Her numbers are improving, started a normal diet & even took 2 long walks around today! We are hopeful she will be released soon.
Thank you all for your prayers during this time.
#thankscaner
Getting a trach comes w/ challenges, i.e. finding more than 2 caregivers. It's disheartening to plead for help & feel like there aren't many options. It's a harsh reality accepting people may not be willing to provide care, making it difficult to continue my ALS journey.
#EndALS
I wrote a heartfelt blog post about the burden of growing up too soon, inspired by my sons' journey with
#ALS
. It's a reminder of the challenges faced by young carers and the importance of supporting them.
#ALSawarenessMonth
#youthcarers
My boys are quarantined this week at my parents house. My wife video called them during lunch at work. My oldest son, 3.5 yrs old, stopped my wife mid conversation. He said, "Mommy if you're at work, who's suctioning Daddy?". She said daddies aid. He wanted to go home to help me.
My
#DadGame
compares to none. LOL
Liam is home congested, so he is getting a breathing treatment from my
#VOCSN
vent at the same time as me. My VOCSN (Ventilator, Oxygen, Cough Assist, Suction, Nebulizer) is 5 machines in 1.
T-Rex Ranch with my boy.
#EndALS
Happy
#FathersDay
to the best dad's in the world!
Boys, I'm proud to be your daddy; but being honest, I don't always feel like Superman. Living with
#ALS
has its challenges, but my love for you boys never wavers. Grateful for the opportunity to be their hero. ๐ชโค๏ธ
#ALSdad
My family has been caught in an intense, high-stress holding pattern for weeks. With limited care & school out, we're facing new challenges every day.
It's tough, but we're staying strong. Sending love to all those battling
#ALS
. Together, let's
#EndALS
#AintNoMntHighEnough
#WV
I want to give a BIG shout-out to
@synapticure
@bsw5020
On my 36 birthday last week, I received a letter of approval for RADICAVA ORS from my insurance. Before Synapticures involvement I was denied 3 times. They made the impossible possible on the first try.
#ALS
#grateful
Happy 5th birthday Liam! Wishing you a day filled with laughter, fun, and lots of cookies! Enjoy your special day to the fullest and may all your wishes come true. ๐๐๐
#happybirthday
#birthdayboy
#EndALS
Busy day in
#ALS
land. 2 new caregivers start training today.
#trach
change this afternoon. Please say a prayer for me because today's change will determine if I have to get a trach revision. The ENT has had to push with her entire body weight to insert new trach twice
#ouch
Survived a GI nightmare ๐Started puking Sunday night and had a 3 hr panic attack. No sleep, just continuous puking and sh*tting. Hoping the worst is over and I don't get aspiration pneumonia ๐
#GIbug
#healthnightmare
,
#EndALS
**ALS Update**
It is not a secret how difficult it is to live with
#ALS
, so I enrolled in Palliative Care. This specialized in-home care will provide additional resources to my care plan. The goal is to continue living more adequately prepared.
#EndALS
Audentes fortuna iuvat.
It is a
#ALS
Christmas Angel miracle!
I'm happy to report my dad delivered $1,500, gifts, & food to Mrs. Bland & family today. Mrs. Bland was officially diagnosed with ALS last week. She & her husband are the guardians of her 4 grandkids.
THANK YOU for your donations.
#EndALS
๐๐Happy 4th birthday, Bayler ๐๐
#ALS
may be pushing us to the edge, but we're pushing back with all our might. In this final push, we'll rise above the struggle, fueled by love, & unwavering hope. Together, we'll conquer the impossible, one step at a time.
#PolingThisOut
Like the mightiest oak tree, my
#ALS
journey has shown me that strength and resilience can emerge from the most challenging circumstances.
Together, let's stand tall and united to
#EndALS
and create a world where no one has to face this disease alone. ๐ณ๐ช
#ALSawareness
Lying in bed thinking my
#NYE
was an out-of-body experience. I'm surrounded by joy, laughter & love.
Albeit beautiful/ serine, I felt overwhelmed knowing the adversity/heartache the NY will bring. I pray my
#depression
subsidies, better times outweigh the bad.
#EndALS
#HOPE
๐๐Celebrated Liam's Pre-K graduation & honored
#LouGehrigDay
last weekend, but it's been a rollercoaster week. ๐Feeling awful since Monday morning & just got diagnosed with bronchitis/pneumonia.๐ท
#ALS
is relentless, never receding. Grateful for love & support!๐ชโค๏ธ
#EndALS
Happy Valentine's Day
#EndALS
Roses are red, my coughing's all done
No more sick days, oh what fun!
I'll do a happy dance and twirl
And enjoy the world, germ-free swirl!
My 3yr old just told my wife,"When Daddies muscles grow back big and strong, he is going to help me build a snowman". Ah man right in the feels.
#ALS
#NeverGiveUp
My eye gaze device malfunctioned. I was watching
#MarchMadness
in bed. I choked until help came to the rescue.
A massive panic attack ensued. Struggling to prevail...
#EndALS
Not a good night last night. I had a mucus plug for over a hour. Full blown panic attack. Antibody infusion, double antibiotics & nebulizer treatments every 2 hrs since Friday Ugh
#COVID19
#ALS
Life with late stage
#ALS
-Cry
- Explain crying
- Frustration by communication
-Cry
- Explain crying
- Emotional physical mental spiritual exhaustion
- Cry
Hi everyone. I wanted to update you on my "I have ALS" sign/sticker. My friend Lauren took my idea of a few emojis and came up with this. What do you think? Do you understand? What would you do if you didn't know me and saw this on my wheelchair?
#ALS
#endALS
@iamalsorg
Please keep this goofball in your prayers. Bayler has a respiratory infection which caused an asthma attack. He has double pink eye too.
#seasonofsickness
#EndALS
TODAY is the day. On this day 5yrs ago, I received the worst news ever.
"I'm sorry Seth, you have
#ALS
. You have 3-5yrs left"
The day before my diagnosis, I shredded 2 huge tress, went skydiving at the beach. 30yrs old about to celebrate my 1st wedding anniversary.
5 YEARS๐
My dear boys, my heart and pride,ย
With you, my world feels so alive.
From the moment I held you in my arms,ย
I knew that my love for you would never harm.
Watching you grow, learn and play,ย
Fills my heart with so much joy each day.
Cont...
#EndALS
Living with
#ALS
is challenging, especially when it comes to communication. I communicate via eye gaze technology. I type, text, drive, and use social media with only my eyes. I hope you enjoy my demonstration.
#ENDALS
Feeling nostalgic for the pre-ALS days, missing the joys of Spring turkey hunting and morel mushroom hunting with Brier and friends at camp.
Cherishing those memories and hoping for a cure for
#ALS
to make new ones in the future.
#Toferson
#NurOwn
#EndALS
Tough day in the
#ALS
world. My main aid was 45 min late. Exploded upon arriving & quit. Next Friday was her last day before starting a new job. 13 months with me. Prayers for her moving forward.
As many of you know, I've been desperately trying to hire additional
#caregivers
. 2 weeks ago, we interviewed a potential candidate & agreed to give her a chance.
We added her to payroll & scheduled her paid training. She has yet to show up for work or text back. How sad
#EndALS
Feeling incredibly let down by the 3 new caregivers we hired. It's been 4 weeks and they still can't handle tasks independently or fix mistakes. The dysfunction is affecting my main caregiver and my wife. This level of inadequacy in the workforce is beyond disappointing.
#EndALS
No, not again, not another young man with a wife and children.
My deepest condolences to the Stewart family during this difficult time.
@jonstew1982
was a great guy and warrior. We have to
#EndALS
My birthday continues. I received my Augmented Reality communication glasses today! This is part of a Pilot Program with
@Abilitare
. You can find out more about the Pilot Program and apply at
#ALS
#Abilitare
My afternoon caregiver needs prayers. She has been off for 2 weeks with pregnancy issues.
She had the same issue with prior pregnancies, resulting in bed rest. This news is an atomic bomb to my care team & my journey.
I am struggling with less care.
#EndALS
#momscarf
What a weekend.
@MonsterJam
Show on Saturday. The boys had a blast.
Old Dad crashed. I was up ALL night. 3 breathing treatments, 3 doses of Ativan, and I puked 5 times. I slept all day today.
#EndALS
Thankful for my Angel of comfort,
@erika_poling
***Proud Dad Moment***
Just watched my son Liam and his tee ball team, Seth's ALS Sluggers, crush it in their first game! So proud of these little sluggers and their sportsmanship. ๐คฉโพ๏ธ
#teeball
#ALSsluggers
#EndALS
I spent the evening outside on the patio with my boys. The neighbor was mowing and he kept stopping to play catch with my sons. I couldn't stop smiling and thanking him.
#ALS
#humanity
My 2 best friends from college came to visit today. We don't see each other as often as we would like.. But, when we do, we pick up as if we just left off. Our kids played & laughed.
#ALS
can be like solitary confinement.
My heart's full. My tank's re-energized.
#NotTodayALS
When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.
~Peter Marshall
#NotTodayALS
#oaks
#ALS
@erika_poling
*** Proud Dad Moment***
Today was Liam's last tee ball game of the season with the Seth's ALS Sluggers. So incredibly proud of him and his amazing teammates. Seeing their growth and teamwork on the field brings me pure joy. Go Sluggers! โพ๏ธ๐
#ProudDad
#Teamwork
#EndALS
What it's like to sleep with
#ALS
10pm- Fall asleep
1am- Wake up sweating
1:05am- Wife turns on fan
4am- Cold, heels hurt
4:05am- Wife turns fan off, blanket, braces
5am- Need to pee
6:30am- Wife/kids get ready for the day
7am- Caregiver starts
I'm sorry
@erika_poling
๐ซ๐