WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and SportsLocal woman shares her story after recently diagnosed with ALS

Local woman shares her story after recently diagnosed with ALS

Elk Mound (WQOW) - A local woman shares her inspiring story after being diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Kellie Hollister of Elk Mound was recently diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. Her father, two sisters and a nephew have all passed away from the disease.

"Both of my sisters passed away at age forty and so if I had a twinge in my leg, I would think 'Gee, I wonder if that could be it,'" says Kellie. 

In August, Kellie's fears became reality. She was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. ALS affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal chord. Patients lose control of their muscles and in later stages, in most cases, become completely paralyzed.

The Hollister family says, right now, they squeeze every drop out of the days they can be together. Kellie says, "I just tell them if we spend all of our days crying about tomorrow, we're going to lose all of our today's."

Patients with ALS are usually given an average life span of just three to five years after diagnosis. As of now, there is no cure for ALS.

"One of my sisters, I had actually seen just several days before she had passed away, so I guess I know what it's going to be like kind of. Which I don't know if that helps or hurts because sometimes you have the fear of the unknown but at the same time the fear of the known is just as scary." Kellie continues, "I don't think it's fair for a doctor to say you have this many years because it puts your mind or mental state into that, where I'd really not rather have that so you don't have to feel like you have to live in that parameter. I have a lot to live for and I plan on being here a long time."

From a simple phone call or letter, to the upcoming benefit friends have organized for Kellie, the Hollister family says the support they've received has been tremendous.

"To me the benefit is just not about the benefit, it's about getting together with everyone that's touched our lives and being able to thank them."

For now, the family says they are continuing to make short term goals, and are cherishing the moments they spend with each other.

"We try and make really good memories everyday and we try to live each day to the fullest and we'll take tomorrow when it comes."

The benefit for Kellie will be held Sunday, December 6 in Menomonie. For more information about Kellie or the benefit click here.