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Living with ALS

When he was first diagnosed with ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease — on Dec. 6, 2010, Bruce Kramer was dean of the School of Education at the University of St. Thomas. He shared his journey with the incurable disease from time to time with MPR News Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer.

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'Living While Dying' episode 12: Physical connections using yoga

'Living While Dying' episode 12: Physical connections using yoga

After being diagnosed with ALS, Bruce Kramer learned to appreciate the value of yoga. He found it a freeing and emotional experience that helped him reconnect with parts of his body that were affected by the disease.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 11: Spirituality

'Living While Dying' episode 11: Spirituality

Bruce Kramer reflects on how having ALS has affected his belief in God. He says the disease has not shaken his faith -- instead, he believes that ALS proves that there is something greater than ourselves.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 10: Drug trial disappointment

'Living While Dying' episode 10: Drug trial disappointment

Bruce Kramer participated in a drug trial to determine if Dexpramipexole could slow the progression of ALS. Kramer felt the drug was working for him and was frustrated when the trial was terminated.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 8: An early retirement

'Living While Dying' episode 8: An early retirement

People who've been hit hard by a very serious health challenge wrestle with a lot of questions right after their diagnosis. One of them is, "Can I, should I, keep working?" Bruce Kramer talks about his battle with this question.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 6: Shedding skins

'Living While Dying' episode 6: Shedding skins

Bruce Kramer describes how he adjusts mentally to the changes in his physical capabilities brought on by the progression of ALS. He likens it to a snake shedding its skin.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 4: Being a teacher

'Living While Dying' episode 4: Being a teacher

When he was diagnosed with ALS, Bruce Kramer was a dean and professor in the University of St. Thomas School of Education. As the disease weakened his body, it made teaching more difficult.

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