An ALS Patient’s Will Inspires Her Caretakers
September 16, 2024
Tammy, suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, came to Palmdale Regional after spending the prior three years bedridden. ALS involves the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. When motor nerve cells no longer send impulses to muscles, the muscles begin to waste away, causing increased weakness and paralysis.
Eventually, ALS affects the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. There is currently no cure for ALS, but researchers strive to develop ways to help fight against the disease.
When Tammy arrived at Palmdale Regional, she was unable to perform even the simplest activities of daily living, like getting dressed. She spent about a month and a half in the hospital’s telemetry unit, which specializes in providing general medical, surgical, orthopedics and urology services. “I was down and out, depressed every single day of my life,” Tammy recalls through happy tears. “After I got here, all of a sudden, I’m ready to live. I’m starting over.”
Previously, Tammy was told she would never walk again. After her time at Palmdale Regional, she gained strength and is now on the move with the aid of a walker.
While Tammy cannot give her care team enough accolades, Danielle, one of her registered nurses, says it is Tammy who is the inspiration. “Tammy is a ray of sunshine,” Danielle says with a loving smile. “She is the star.” Danielle sees her patient’s faith, determination and perseverance as a miracle.
“I’m alive now because of this place,” Tammy says. “You guys are heroes.”
Watch this video to hear Tammy tell her story: