https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:55:54 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supporting-a-friend-with-als#post-2541773 Thu, 05 May 2016 06:57:05 +0000 magnolia 2541773@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorthStar: thank you. I'm sorry to hear about your loss. He is already in a wheelchair and using a breathing machine. It really has progressed fast. I think I had been in denial but yesterday it really hit me. </p> <p>I usually bring sweets for him and his family and luckily my brother lives close by and brings them food often. We also had a benefit for him a few months ago and raised a lot of money.</p> <p>@hummusgirl: thank you. That article was on point.</p> <p>@MrsF: I'm sorry about your brother in law. My friend doesn't have children, I can only imagine that would be even more heartbreaking. I was thinking last night how he will never have children. I try to go and visit as much as I can, I'm definitely feeling scared of not seeing him enough before he loses his voice. I like the idea of watching movies too</p> <p>...<br /> @misolee: thank you. I'll check out that book. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supporting-a-friend-with-als#post-2541653 Wed, 04 May 2016 21:50:02 +0000 misolee 2541653@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My pastor has ALS. He has since stepped down but wrote a book about his journey called "Life in the Blue Zone." That might help see his perspective. </p> <p>We've done walks in his name every year and go visit him in groups every couple of months. His wife appreciates us coming by and lifting his spirits and she loves it too. </p> <p>Hugs your way. It's an awful disease 😢 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supporting-a-friend-with-als#post-2541635 Wed, 04 May 2016 21:14:24 +0000 MrsF 2541635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry. </p> <p>My husband's brother was diagnosed with ALS shortly after our wedding and died 9 months later. He left behind his wife and 3 young kids. It's such a horrible disease and I think it can be so isolating for a young person especially. </p> <p>It's wonderful that you're visiting with him because I think that many people just don't know what to do or feel awkward and sort of fade out of the person's life. I would think that just being present in his life would be huge. It totally depends on your relationship and his current health, but my BIL had friends who would come over and just watch movies with him all the time just to keep him company. Great ideas to check for ALS association events in your area too. They are really active and we still have a team for my BIL for the local walk every year. </p> <p>It's so hard to think of specific things but just being there in person, through email, texts, phone calls, whatever is so huge. My BIL had a lot of support but I think some people regretted not being more involved after he had passed. I heard a lot of people say that they just didn't know how sick he was. </p> <p>You and your friend will be in my thoughts :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supporting-a-friend-with-als#post-2541584 Wed, 04 May 2016 20:30:45 +0000 hummusgirl 2541584@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am so sorry. I don't have personal experience but I think this is a disease where friends tend to get uncomfortable and disappear, so you could probably help just by being there for him. Here's a story I came across of someone who did that: <a href="http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/ALS-can-t-break-friends-unspoken-bond-1063519.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/ALS-can-t-break-friends-unspoken-bond-1063519.php</a> </p> <p>Sending all good thoughts your way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supporting-a-friend-with-als#post-2541561 Wed, 04 May 2016 20:12:45 +0000 NorthStar 2541561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry that you are going through this! A close family friend, who was like a grandfather to me, passed away from ALS a few years ago. It is a heartbreaking disease since there is no cure and progresses so rapidly. </p> <p>Does he have a family? Can you treat them to an outing at the zoo or restaurant gift cards? I'm thinking something that they can do together. If no family, ready made meal delivery service or something to help at home. If he isn't already, he will likely be in a wheelchair at some point. Our friend also lost ability to talk and has to use a computer that he typed into and it would talk for him. </p> <p>The ALS Association in your area should also be a great resource. You could coordinate a group in his name for one of their walks to raise money. They usually have support groups too. Sorry for all the ideas. My local ALS Association was a client of mine for a few years, so I became very familiar with what they do. I wish you strength in supporting your friend. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supporting-a-friend-with-als#post-2541460 Wed, 04 May 2016 18:40:53 +0000 magnolia 2541460@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know this is a bit off topic but I'm struggling. I went to visit an very old friend of mine today (I've known him since high school). </p> <p>He is living with ALS and has gotten a lot worse since last time I saw him. He did enjoy seeing my son who is too young to understand that there is anything wrong with him. </p> <p>It was very sad. He still has an incredible sense of humor but I'm angry at the world for what he is suffering. </p> <p>Has anyone out there supported someone living with this terrible disease? I'm lost on what to do to and what to expect next.</p> <p>And of course if any of you bees feel so inclined please send your prayers and positive energy for my friend and his family. </p>