Question: If you were diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, would you stay sober or drink? Alex L., faced that tough choice during his sixth year of sobriety in AA when he was diagnosed with MS, an incurable and disabling disease that attacks the brain, spinal cord, and the entire central nervous system. His future would be one of certain pain, constant struggle, and debilitation of his entire body. But Alex chose not to drink, and, today, at 35 years sober, he still relies on his active AA program to get through each day and be of service to his fellows. His is an extraordinary story for which the Serenity Prayer itself could have been written.

I first met Alex over 30 years ago before he contracted MS, while he was an active and engaged member of AA. We attended lots of meetings together, and though we lost touch for a period of time shortly after he got MS, we reconnected several years ago. We resumed a rich and meaningful friendship and credit God and AA for bringing us back into each others’ lives.  Alex has been an inspiring and influential force in the lives of many men and women in the Program. He always brings a smile to the faces in the many rooms into which he rolls with his incredible motor chair.

Be sure to check out the Big Book Podcast, the free audio version of the First & Second Editions of "Alcoholics Anonymous". It’s an engaging and inspiring word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and personal stories, including more than 50 original stories that were left out of the 3rd and 4th editions. If you never read the 1st or 2nd Editions, these amazing stories will be brand new to you. The Big Book Podcast is read by Howard L. who receives no compensation for this vital service work.

Visit the AA Recovery Interviews website for more information and to contact me.

To contact Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, visit aa.org.

[Disclaimer: In accordance with A.A.’s traditions, my anonymous guests and I speak for ourselves only, not for Alcoholics Anonymous at large. We share only our personal experiences with A.A. recovery. We acknowledge that AA’s sole concern is the recovery and continued sobriety of those alcoholics who turn to the Fellowship for help. As members of AA, our primary purpose is to stay sober and to help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.]