Name: Deborah Christensen

Hometown, State: LaGrange, NY

Age: 43

Family:
Husband: Keith Christensen
Daughters: Rylee, 12, and Skylar, 9

Hobbies/Interests:
Skiing, swimming, biking, Jazzercise, shopping, making jewelry, cake decorating, going to see movies, out for dinner, computer design

Date of ALS diagnosis:
March 2006. My grandfather and my dad passed away from ALS. My only sibling also has ALS. We do not have the SOD I gene.

Tell us about your life before ALS:
I was extremely active and involved. I volunteered to help out with school and after school activities and loved to be with people. I was a room mom for six years and a Girl Scout leader for three years. I was active on PTA also. I was always on the go between work and activities.

Tell us about your life with ALS:
I am still active and involved – just not as much as I would like. I still help out in things I am capable of, such as doing design work on the computer. I still love to be with people however with my very limited speech I don’t say nearly as much as I used to. My on the go lifestyle takes a little longer and I don’t do as much as I used to.

Tell us how ALS has brought new significance to any aspect of your life - family, attitude, hobbies/passions, career, etc. :
I find increasing enjoyment in the moment. Friends and family have been extremely supportive, and I thank God for them. I love to sit and watch my girls in their events and I am thankful for each new day. I take each day as it comes with a smile on my face.

List your favorite quote:
Live every day like it was your last.

Do you have a “life motto” or “profound words to live by”:
Smile … and the world smiles with you!!

Has there been an “a-ha!” moment or a specific turn of events that has helped you live with ALS?
I have the inherited gene. There’s not anything that can be done. It is what is. Hopefully God has a plan with me.

Is there anything else about you and/or ALS that you want to share with people who read your story?
Make some noise. Let’s find a cure.