<p>Melissa Stephens of Kilgore, TX shares her and husband Troy's ALS journey in this part one of two.</p>

Melissa Stephens of Kilgore, TX shares her and husband Troy's ALS journey in this part one of two.

The Melissa and Troy Stephens Story, Part 1

<p>What was THAT? This podcast will focus on survival and pushing forward after life events, tragic or not. Life after illness, Life after abuse, Life after a career, Life after whatever else happens! Season 1 focuses on the survivors of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)--widows, widowers, partners, friends, siblings, children, etc. Each of our participants will have 2 episodes, the first being their story--Life AFTER the diagnosis, the onslaught of the changing dynamics of the disease, and how it changed relationships, and life. The second episode for each story will focus on Life After THAT monster and how they are moving on or not and what might help themselves and others. In other words, how are they now carrying on? ALS is considered rare, yet it kills tens of thousands in the United States annually and many more worldwide. Most ALS patients live 2-5 years from diagnosis, but not all. Regardless, the body movements die off while the mind usually stays vibrant. Most of those affected wouldn’t wish the disease on their worst enemy and would actually prefer cancer over ALS...because except in rare cases, there’s at least a chance to survive with the other. In either case, loved ones are changed forever, and suffer from PTSD, depression, etc. The importance of spreading awareness of the disease is important, but so is acknowledging what the caretakers and loved ones have been through. This season provides that opportunity, a sounding board if you will, and hopefully what my late husband, also a victim of ALS, encouraged...”Keep on keepin’ on because being sad or mad will not do you any good. Be happy.”</p>

Society & Culture

Documentary

Personal Journals

What was THAT? This podcast will focus on survival and pushing forward after life events, tragic or not. Life after illness, Life after abuse, Life after a career, Life after whatever else happens! Season 1 focuses on the survivors of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)--widows, widowers, partners, friends, siblings, children, etc. Each of our participants will have 2 episodes, the first being their story--Life AFTER the diagnosis, the onslaught of the changing dynamics of the disease, and how it changed relationships, and life. The second episode for each story will focus on Life After THAT monster and how they are moving on or not and what might help themselves and others. In other words, how are they now carrying on? ALS is considered rare, yet it kills tens of thousands in the United States annually and many more worldwide. Most ALS patients live 2-5 years from diagnosis, but not all. Regardless, the body movements die off while the mind usually stays vibrant. Most of those affected wouldn’t wish the disease on their worst enemy and would actually prefer cancer over ALS...because except in rare cases, there’s at least a chance to survive with the other. In either case, loved ones are changed forever, and suffer from PTSD, depression, etc. The importance of spreading awareness of the disease is important, but so is acknowledging what the caretakers and loved ones have been through. This season provides that opportunity, a sounding board if you will, and hopefully what my late husband, also a victim of ALS, encouraged...”Keep on keepin’ on because being sad or mad will not do you any good. Be happy.”

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The Melissa and Troy Stephens Story, Part 1

The Melissa and Troy Stephens Story, Part 1