Update: Back pain, South Africa, and tadpoles
As ALS weakens her core strength, Hanna increasingly has to cope with back pain (along with other progressive symptoms). Meanwhile she is in South Africa with dear family and all the joys of home. Her experience continues to mix this joy of life with physical difficulty and the anguish of loss. Eish! (as they say in South Africa)
Delta air miles to help Hanna?
We seek donations of air miles with Delta Airlines or one of its partner airlines, to accommodate Hanna's excruciating back problems as she returns to the US from South Africa.
Short update: Hanna in SA + event summary
Hanna has safely arrived for a month (maybe two) with family in South Africa. And friends have written a great report of the "Design for the Inevitable" event conducted by Hanna and Marc.
Update: back from Ireland, ALS is always moving
A general update: celebrating the writing workshop in Ireland, experiencing both gratitude and the concern of progressing symptoms. Next up: a lot of doctor's appointments, and two months in South Africa.
Update: new gear, travels, and bountiful support
A general update: Hanna is doing well, all things considered. She has a new ventilator and cough-assist device, and tools to help her communicate. The writing workshop in Ireland is going well. People have responded incredibly with financial support.
Event: Hanna at Creative Mornings Pittsburgh, 26 May
Hanna will be the featured speaker this Friday for the Creative Mornings event. It’s, you know, Creative Mornings, so if you want to start your day with coffee, interesting folks, and Hanna, it all starts at 8:30am.
Update: feeling better, Mom, medicine, and a new fund
Hanna's energy and mood continue to improve, though her symptoms are also progressing. Her mom visits soon, and Hanna has received a wonderful honor as a writer. We have an update on finances, and two ways to help financially.
Update: Resources and tools, angels and spring peepers
Hanna is feeling much better than she was when we last updated you. As she and her circle settle into life with ALS, a wealth of support and resources have presented themselves. The sleep and breathing lab is delivering energy-restoring tools, and life continually offers episodes of joy.
Update: Visit to the ALS clinic
A summary of the first visit to the University of Pittsburgh ALS clinic. The nut: Hanna's diagnosis is 90% for ALS. They'll pursue the other 10% while beginning treatment to slow progression of symptoms and prolong life. Also in this update: living with this hard news.
Update: Hanna’s week
Hanna reports on a difficult week: feeling her failing abilities, getting Covid on the flight from Montana, feeling the threshold of disability.