My name is Della
In the summer of 2022, I noticed my flip-flop was dragging. In April 2023 I was diagnosed with ALS. This is my story.
Della's ALS Journey
%20copy.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:365,h:365,cg:true)
What is ALS?
These are my favorite small businesses
These are my favorite small businesses
ALS affects the control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat, and breathe. There is no cure for this fatal disease. The mean survival time with ALS is two to five years.
These are my favorite small businesses
These are my favorite small businesses
These are my favorite small businesses
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:365,h:365,cg:true)
Support our Mission
These are my favorite small businesses
Support our Mission
Become an ALS Advocate. ALS is not uncurable, it's underfunded.
The road to my diagnosis
Summer of 2022
While walking her dog, Della noticed her left flip-flop was dragging. That changed into a limp tha became worse over time.
Winter of 2023
Della's limp got worse and she found her leg had spasms and cramping.
First Dr appt January 6, 2023
Della's doctor asked Deella to walk on her heal, she was unable. She also asked Della to hop on her left foot, but again she was unable. She was referred to a nuerologist.
Meeting my nuerologist
At her first meeting with the neurologist he did an extensive exame. He noticed Della had a positve Babinski reflex - a sign on ALS. She was referred for a MRI and an EMG
Going to the hospital
Securing an appoinment for an ENMG was difficult. Della would have wait until May to receive the test.
Getting the Diagnosis April 20, 2023
As Della waited for her appointments her limp was getting worse. Her doctor suggested she be admitted to the hospital ti exoidite testing. After 2 days Della was diagnosed with ALS
Red Sox Nurse Appreciation
Vote for my nurse!!
My team at Mass Gen has been so supportive, compassionate, and, above all, caring.
Please vote for Danica Sanders to be recognized by the Boston Red Sox. The winner will throw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game.
How you can help
The Falmouth Road Race
The Falmouth Road Race
The Falmouth Road Race
Della's children are running in the Falmouth Road Race on Aug 17th. Please support them to reach their goal of raising $30,000 for ALS One
The Boston Marathon
The Falmouth Road Race
The Falmouth Road Race
Della's nieces are running in the Boston Marathon to raise funds for ALS research. Please support their goal of raising $17,500. Then cheer them on at the finish line.