SH I N E
on!
LKNW SPOTLIGHT
AN
ALS Diagnosis AND A
WARRIOR By: Ryan Alexander
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord; currently there is no cure. Since her diagnosis in 2014, Roz Vega Skidmore has grown stronger in her faith, closer to her family, and managed to keep a positive outlook on life in spite of the struggles she endures on a daily basis.
R A I S E D I N S PA N I S H H A R L E M
in New York City within a tight-knit family, Roz was motivated by her parents to find a better life than the one they had. Subsequently, she applied and was accepted to Marymount Manhattan College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She forged a career in the finance industry where she found success up until her diagnosis, which forced her to quit working due to the progression of her symptoms. Hearing the words, “You have ALS,” left Roz with a decision to make: she could wallow in self-pity in the face of incredible hardship, or she could live her life with
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renewed vigor, cherishing every day she has with her family—she chose the latter. “I want to see my son grow up,” she smiles. “I want to live for my husband, my daughter and her fiancé, my granddaughter, and everyone else I love. ALS does not define who I am as a person; it is just something I am living with today. I also keep my sense of humor, my ability to laugh, and my zest to enjoy life!” Her diagnosis forced her family to move out of their dream home and into a home more suitable for Roz. Her husband, Thomas, acts as her primary caregiver which entails not only helping cope with symptoms, but also handling the injuries that come from losing muscle control, such as concussions and broken bones due to unexpected falls. Even though she faces difficulties that most people cannot imagine, Roz is a warrior and stands strong with purpose and passion. One of her many passions is advocacy and fundraising for ALS awareness and research. Roz’s first activity as an ALS advocate was participating in the Charlotte Walk for a Cure, where she and her team, Roz’s Warriors, raised over $12,000. She was also asked to be an honoree at the MDA Association’s A Night of Hope Mission Possible. “ALS could be seen as a curse, but I have taken it as a blessing,” Roz humbly
Roz Vega Skidmore acknowledges. “I have reprioritized my life, and I choose to stay positive and share my faith with others. I pray those with ALS hang on to hope and happiness while they battle this disease. Enjoy every moment, and while we may mourn our losses, we need to savor our victories. Every day we have is a miracle. I am at peace and know that God is in control. I am a warrior who will fight with everything that I have—while at the same time accepting God’s will for me.”
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
5,600
people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year (That’s 15 new cases a day). There is an urgent need for effective treatments for this devastating and fatal disease.
ATTEND THE 5TH ANNUAL MISSION POSSIBLE EVENT: A CURE FOR ALS WHEN: Thursday, September 14,
6:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Palmer Building (2601 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC) COST: $50 (includes food &
entertainment)
HOW: Purchase tickets online
or make donation at http://mdaevent.org/MPNightofHope