Officer Sheldon Long's wife, Eulie Long's Journey with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis): "In July 2016, after a severe upper respiratory infection, I developed a slur. I saw my ENT, who found nodules on my vocal cords which he said count account for the change in my speech. Time, vocal, and speech therapy proscribed. After a few months, the nodules were gone by I still have the slur. It was initially thought that I may have suffered a minor stroke. In January 2017, the neurologist ordered a CT and MRI and determined it was not, however revealed that I had white matter. By this time I started to develop weakness on my right side. The Doctor said they would monitor it but I needed to have a lumbar puncture to check for early stages of MS. After that very painful procedure, I was told there was evidence of deterioration consistent with Ms but not enough for treatment but they would monitor progression. As weakness developed in my right leg and swallowing issues, I decided to get a second opinion. On November 16, 2017 I met with the specialist, she immediately wanted to do a nerve test, barium swallow test, and blood work before leaving the office. After yet another excruciating test, she gave me the diagnosis of ALS. Because it was such a devastating diagnosis, she scheduled me to to return in two weeks to discuss the disease and what's to be expected. In the year and a half since the diagnosis, I can no longer drive, I have almost completely lost the use of my hands, unable to life my arms above my shoulder. My legs are weak and I'm off balanced, I tire easily so require a wheelchair most of the time. I have difficulty swallowing which causes me to choke a lot, so I have a feeding tube. I need assistance to do most everyday things."