Monday, July 21, 2025 – Day 342

Monday, July 21, 2025

Good morning, everybody—hope you had a great weekend.

I’ve talked about some of my high school friends in the past, but today I want to mention someone I met way back in my sophomore year—Carrie.

We met in geometry class, which I hated. I could never quite wrap my head around theorems. Those early years of high school were awkward for me. I was still trying to find my place and figure out who I was. At the time, my triplet brother Tim and I didn’t exactly get along—we were constantly competing for the same friends, trying to outdo each other in sports, and fighting almost daily. At least, that’s how it felt. But we eventually got past all that and became best friends.

Anyway—Carrie. She was the star of high school. She had the looks, the personality, the smarts… and she was easily the most popular girl in school. But unlike the stereotypical “mean girl,” Carrie spent her time lifting people up, encouraging everyone to get involved, and making them feel like they mattered. She had this rare gift for asking thoughtful, probing questions that made you feel completely seen and heard. When you talked to Carrie, she was fully present. She genuinely cared and she helped everybody and pulled out the best in people.

Since my ALS diagnosis, Carrie—and many of our close high school friends—have stayed incredibly supportive. I couldn’t ask for better people in my life. Carrie’s personality hasn’t changed a bit. She still draws you in with her questions and curiosity, and before you know it, you’re telling her your life story.

Recently, she and her husband Neil (who also happens to be a pretty inquisitive guy) were at a concert venue. They were seated at a table with another couple they didn’t know—at least not at first. True to form, Carrie and Neil started asking questions. Turns out, the man seated with them was a retired neurologist named Scott… who specialized in ALS. Naturally, my diagnosis came up and they touched on it. By the end of the evening, they had exchanged contact info and parted ways.

Scott must’ve continued thinking about that conversation, because he reached out and asked for my contact info. Carrie checked with me first, and I said “yes.” Nothing to lose by talking about my ALS—maybe even something to be gained.

Scott called me yesterday morning, and we spoke for nearly an hour. I walked him through everything: my early symptoms, the diagnostic process, my ALS clinic team, support network, medications, and the current state of my progression. I’m sure I threw in a few side notes too.

Scott was incredibly patient (which is good, because I’m slow to speak), asked thoughtful questions, and genuinely took the time to understand my experience. Nothing felt rushed. He was clearly invested in hearing the full picture. When he asked about my family, I told him that part is always emotional for me—and I might have to pause and regroup. He understood completely.

We talked about how no two ALS journeys are alike—how the timeline and symptoms vary from person to person, even though the outcome is the same.

Near the end of our conversation, he told me he believes I’m receiving excellent care, which was reassuring. We also discussed a possible medication that might help with one of my emotional symptoms—what’s called pseudobulbar affect. You know, those moments when I get overly emotional at… well, “spilled milk” and everything else. That’s definitely a follow-up conversation to have with my neurologist next month. It seems there’s a medication that can help with that… who knew?

It was an hour well spent—reassuring and grounding. Much like getting a second opinion to confirm my initial ALS diagnosis last August, it helped settle my mind. Sure, I’d love to hear someone say they’ve found a miracle cure… but I know better.

Before we closed the call, he said to call him with any questions that come up. I told him thank you for the time….it meant so much to me.

Thank you, Carrie and Neil, for keeping me in mind—and for trying to find hope wherever you can. I’m beyond grateful.

Have a great Monday.
Love you guys! ❤️

In the 2nd photo, Carrie is 3rd from the right.