Pat Quinn, diagnosed in March 2013 at age 30.
I was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 30 back in March 2013, but my journey begins with a super active, quite athletic, 28-year-old who had just finished taking down a softball tournament title. The very next day I woke up, and my left arm was twitching. I’m young. I’m strong. It will go away, right? It didn’t. I still feel it every single day. It took almost 2 years to diagnose. Blood tests, cat scans, MRIs, spinal taps, EMGs, and even a muscle/nerve biopsy all showed nothing. One really long day later at Johns Hopkins, it was finally conclusive. ALS.
ALS is an extraordinary challenge and something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. Slowly, but surely, I’m getting weaker, and there’s nothing I can do about it. However, I choose to remain mentally strong. When facing adversity, you have to make a decision. You can give into the difficult scenario and let it beat you OR you can fight! I take tremendous pride in being a fighter and doing everything I can to battle this disease. I’m young, mentally fired up, and plan on making a difference!
I’m so lucky to have incredible support from my wife, family, and friends. Their love keeps me going. Becoming friends with Sarah and many of the other Faces of ALS has been such a blessing. I’ve met the most inspiring people in my life within the ALS community and hope I’m inspiring others along the way!
I think athletes develop more mental strength to overcome adversity than anyone else. Thanks for sharing your story, Pat.
Prayers for you Pat and your family. God belss you and all that you do to increase ALS awareness. My mom was just diagnosed in February after over a year of all those same tests you had. So awful and Lou Gehrig would be angry, I believe, that in this day and time we STILL have no cure.
Hi,my son was also diagnosed at 30.he I’d really strong mentally,and takes the Deanna protocol,and goes to a personal trainer twice a week.
He has a 5 month old baby girl,who has taken over their lives in a great way.
Great article! So proud of you and Jenn. You are our superhero.
Pat and Jenn-
We so admire your attitude and determination to end ALS. It has been such a pleasure to get to know you and your wonderful family. Our son Jason has been inspired by your quest to find a cure. We are on this journey together, Pat and Jenn. I am so proud of all of our ALS warriors, you, Jason, and all of these young ALS PALS who refuse to give into ALS. As you said, “Every August Ice Bucket Challenge” until we find a cure. Our love to all of you. Gene and Barb Smith