During National Family Caregivers Month, ALS United Mid-Atlantic is proud to highlight the everyday heroes who provide care, comfort, and compassion to their loved ones. Each story reminds us that caregiving is more than a responsibility, it’s an act of love that shapes families and communities.
Allie Coultas
“I am not an athlete, but I am an ALS caregiver, and this is absolutely a type of endurance training.
It challenges you mentally, physically and spiritually. But unlike athletic marathons, there is no celebratory finish line. When you’re finally not a part of this marathon, it is because you’ve lost your person.
So you have to learn to accept this marathon you’re running because it is what you have to do day in and day out while they’re still here with you.
Caregiving is endurance in its purest form. It is mental, physical and emotional. It deserves to be honored for the strength it takes.
Caregivers I see you. I know how easy it is to feel guilty for “not doing enough” or “not doing it all with grace.” You are currently a part of one of life’s toughest marathons, and you are doing an incredible job.”
Gary Goldstein
“I have been asked what it meant to me to be a caregiver to my late wife. I find that difficult to answer because I never thought of myself as being a “caregiver”. I thought of myself as a husband doing what I needed to do to help my wife – with whatever. As her disease progressed, the things for which she needed help increased. But I never counted the times I helped her or the number of things for which she needed help. When you truly care about someone, you just do things and never keep a scorecard or think about how and when you will receive “repaying”. I learned many, many years ago that life just has a way of evening everything out and what you do today may come back to you many times over. In the end, the best part is that good feeling you get because you know you helped someone and provided value.”
Bill O’Sullivan
“I am excited to share my appreciation for my lovely caregiver and wife, Linda. I tell everyone that she is ‘My Everything’ and I mean every bit of it!
I am a retired Navy Veteran, and we have been married for over 30 years. Linda coordinates and navigates the welcomed support and advice we receive from our doctors, ALS United Mid-Atlantic, PVA, and the VA.
I know it is not easy for her, but I feel her Love as she attends to my daily grooming, dressing, eating, medication & much more. I love her even more for putting up with the occasionally grumpy old man that escapes me as we navigate the challenges of ALS together.”
