Marion Freijsen A blog about Sports, Fitness & Health

ALS – the rest of your life

I write about health, fitness and sports – that is my passion and an intrinsical part of my life. I write about things you can do to train, to get the most out of your life, to stay healthy and most of all, to LIVE your life with passion and joy.

But occasionally I have to veer to another topic and look at the other side of health, fitness and feeling great – one of my sporting buddies, the fittest guy of the troop on the bike – just got diagnosed with ALS. ALS – Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Over time, patients’ muscles deteriorate, atrophy and die – ultimately culminating in death of the sufferer – most patients have been between 1-5 years to live from the moment of diagnosis. (Read more on http://www.alsa.org/als/what.cfm). My friend Eelco, father of two little children, has been given a lifespan of about 2 years.

Eelco knows he cannot beat this disease, but in typical style – he will do everything to not let the rest of his life be overshadowed by death. He has gone out and set up a foundation that will allow him and patients following him to enjoy the lifes they have, however short they may be. Not giving up on his sport (cycling) he’s gone a bought a special tandem that will get him out there cycling for as long as he can….

I love his spirit and admire his courage – this is also what passionate living is about.

I am asking you, the healthy fit happy and passionate individual,  to check out his site, and if you can, make a donation however small – it will help someone live the rest of their lives to the(ir) max!!

Check out the site: www.alsopdeweg.nl
and follow Eelco’s journey on Twitter @alsopdeweg