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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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A life 'well equipped' to handle ALS

A life 'well equipped' to handle ALS

Bruce Kramer says that what is happening to him is simply the way life can go and he's made the choice to embrace his disease. He's also said he's "well equipped" to have ALS. MPR's Cathy Wurzer asks him what he means by that.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Researchers, advocates see better ALS therapies on the horizon

Researchers, advocates see better ALS therapies on the horizon

This weekend marks the anniversary of one of pro sports' most poignant moments: Baseball great Lou Gehrig, standing before microphones near home plate at Yankee Stadium as a standing-room only crowd honored him as one of the most famous players of his time -- shortly after he was diagnosed with ALS. The anniversary offers an opportunity to take stock of where research and treatments for the disease may be headed.
by Cathy Wurzer

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How a caregiver learns to care for herself

How a caregiver learns to care for herself

Ev Emerson, the wife of Bruce Kramer, teaches music at the Normandale Elementary French Immersion School in Edina, and is also looking after her husband after he was diagnosed with ALS. In our latest conversation, they talk about the challenges of care-giving.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Learning of ALS diagnosis a trying experience

Learning of ALS diagnosis a trying experience

In real life, a grim and blunt medical verdict would send shock waves of fear and disbelief through a patient. In December 2010, Bruce Kramer heard such a diagnosis -- and the way it was delivered would go on to haunt him.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Living with ALS: Wrestling with angels

Living with ALS: Wrestling with angels

"Humans have some experience with angel wrestling and it's an experience where generally you come out of it a little wounded but you also come out of it a little stronger," Bruce Kramer says. "I'm doing a lot of thinking about how, moving through ALS into its final phases, that works."
by Cathy Wurzer

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The challenge of living well with ALS, but also accepting the inevitable

The challenge of living well with ALS, but also accepting the inevitable

Bruce Kramer was diagnosed with the incurable disease ALS in 2010 and says that he's accepted his fate, even as he rises to the challenge of living with the disease by taking part in drug trials and now by using a machine that helps him to breathe -- and feel better.
by Cathy Wurzer

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New technology can help an ALS patient breathe easier

New technology can help an ALS patient breathe easier

This month marks the third year since Bruce Kramer of Minneapolis received a medical diagnosis that changed his life in an instant. Now he's using a pacemaker-like implant that helps him breathe and feel better, even as he knows his ALS won't halt its march.
by Cathy Wurzer

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