Who Is Your Hero?

Do you have a personal hero? Tell us about them. It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Your Everyday Hero: Steve S.

My son, Steve was diagnosed with ALS in 2006 at the age of 38. He was a practicing landscape architect working in Boston. Upon his diagnosis he began to research ALS and the likely progression of the disease. ALS has no known cause, no treatment and no cure. Doctors informed Steve he had 3 to 5 years to live. Steve could have given up on life but rather, during his research, he met Barry, a CEO of a large nursing home in Chelsea who expressed an interest in building an addition that would accommodate people with ALS and MS. He and Steve partnered to develop and build the first residential facility in the country to accommodate the needs of the severely handicapped. Steve incorporated off shelf technology to create an automated living space that permits the maximum degree of independence. He has no use of his arms, legs or voice but can open his door, adjust the thermostat, operate all his electronic devices, call the elevator and order his meals. Steve and his fellow residents recently went skydiving. Steve's philosophy is: spend your time doing what you can rather than worrying about what you can no longer do. Not a bad philosophy.

Submitted by Bill Saling