Name: Philip Carlo

Hometown, State: New York, NY

Age: 59

Family:
Wife: Laura Carlo

Hobbies/Interests:
Before ALS – gardening, jogging, skating and cooking

Date of ALS diagnosis:
October 2005

Tell us about your life before ALS:
I was a vibrant, very dedicated author. I jogged every day in Central Park – even in thunderstorms and blizzards. In that I am a professional writer, I traveled interviewing people for books, seeing and knowing and feeling different places and peoples. I lived in Europe several months of every year … mainly Italy.

Tell us about your life with ALS:
A potential nightmare filled with evil spirits. Having ALS is like living in a glass coffin. However, I do my best to keep very busy. I’ve written two books since I was diagnosed, one of which – The Ice Man – became a New York Times-bestseller. I am working on a third book, a true story involving the NY mafia entitled, “Gravesend.” I live in South Beach Miami with my wife. I love being near the beach and the ocean every day. I very much appreciate the warm weather, for the winter in NY is terrible for people with ALS. This February will be my third one with ALS. I liken myself to the Energizer Bunny – keeps on going.

Tell us how ALS has brought new significance to any aspect of your life - family, attitude, hobbies/passions, career, etc.:
ALS is, by far, the most insidious disease of modern times. When you get over the shock, and the depression, and the “why me” phase, you realize you have to put your head high, your shoulders back and make the best of the life you have.

List your favorite quote:_”Hit first and hit hard.” – Joe Lewis.

Do you have a “life motto” or “profound words to live by”: See and know as much of the world , as fast as you can, so you can see and know yourself, as fast as you can.

Has there been an “a-ha!” moment or a specific turn of events that has helped you live with ALS? Step out of the glass coffin that ALS is and make the best time of whatever you have left.
Is there anything else about you and/or ALS that you want to share with people who read your story?_I keep waking up hoping it’s all a bad dream. I find that living in a warm climate is much better than living in a cold climate. Get outdoors as much as possible, fresh air and sunlight are helpful tool mates.