Name: Richard A. Quiroz

Hometown, State: Los Angeles, CA

Age: 58

Family:
Wife: Laura Quiroz

Hobbies/Interests:
Drawing, modeling, reading, sword fighting, flying, attending theatre with my wife

Date of ALS diagnosis:
October 8, 2007

Tell us about your life before ALS:
I was in animation for 17 years and am a recipient of two Emmy certificates for my design work on “Pinky and the Brain” and “Animaniacs.” I then became a freelance artist. I enjoyed doing some acting and was learning stage fighting before this hit.

Tell us about your life with ALS:
Since being diagnosed with ALS I have begun to appreciate all the little things I used to be able to do that everyone else takes for granted. Everything is a struggle and I am not able to do the things I used to enjoy. I live with fear on a daily basis not knowing what’s ahead.

Tell us how ALS has brought new significance to any aspect of your life - family, attitude, hobbies/passions, career, etc.:
It has brought my wife and me closer than we have ever been. After learning of my diagnosis, my wife and I began living our lives to the fullest, renewing our wedding vows and making frequent trips to Disneyland. I also took the opportunity to fly a fighter plane. This is something that I have dreamt about since I was a young boy. Living with ALS has also shown me what human compassion and friendship are all about. I have had more people rally to help than I ever knew were there. I am living every day to its fullest and thank God for my wife, my friends and my family. I also thank Him every day I can get up and still walk and am alive – because that is a good day!