CLEVELAND: May is ALS Awareness Month, and every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease — also known as Lou Gehrig’s — and someone passes away from it, according to the ALS Association.
Right now, there is no cure for the progressive neurodegenerative disease, but one Ohio woman said she’s grateful for the diagnosis.
With her protector, Charlie, by her side and what she calls her “red Cadillac” rollator in hand, Erin Dittoe is ready for her daily neighborhood walk.
May is ALS Awareness Month.
According to the @alsassociation every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with the disease and someone passes away from it.
Right now, there is no cure. But Erin Dittoe says she is grateful for the diagnosis. Hear her story on @SpectrumNews1OH pic.twitter.com/RU57tT6lt1— Micaela Marshall (@MMarshallTV) May 25, 2021
“He adopted us about five years ago,” said Dittoe, in refernece to her dog. “It’s important to try to keep moving.”
Dittoe was diagnosed with ALS in November of last year.
“And I hit the lottery,” she said.
She said at first, doctors thought she might have MS.
“My feet would get caught up, and I would fall or I couldn’t open a jar,” said Dittoe.
The 54-year-old wasn’t sure her symptoms were serious.
“I just thought it was part of the aging process,” she said.
But she became concerned when her speech started to slur and she experienced vertigo.
Dittoe said she struggles with muscle stiffness, strength, and dexterity, but she continues to work from home.
“It gave me a new perspective. It kicked me in the butt to do things I should have done 10 years ago,” she said.
Dark humor helps the mother and wife cope.
“I guess I have a golden ticket now because who’s going to mess with me?” said Dittoe.
Although she can walk and tackle steps, Dittoe is preparing in case one day she can’t by ordering a power chair.
“I figure I can really be Hell on wheels,” she said.
She is also remodeling her house to be more accessible with a first floor bedroom and handicap-friendly bathroom.
“Do things before you need them,” said Dittoe.
The progression of the neurodegenerative disease varies from person to person.
“I work all day long to try to work against the contractures,” she said while opening and closing her hands.
The mean survival rate is three to five years, but some live longer than 10.
“I realize that I do have an expiration date stamped on my forehead, but I also know that none of us know if we’re going to make it to dinner tomorrow,” said Dittoe.
Despite the odds, Dittoe’s outlook is positive.
“ALS isn’t an incurable disease. It’s just underfunded,” she said.
She has a lot of support to keep her going.
“I’m grateful for that,” said Dittoe.
And Dittoe hopes others find something to be grateful for, too.
“That you can only control so much and the rest you let go,” she said.
