Name: Deborah I. Basile

Hometown, State: Edgewood, NM

Age: Just had my 54th birthday!

Family:
My significant other, Paul McDonough; my mother, Irene Gourlay; my very supportive ex-husband, Michael; and my greatest achievements, my children Kathryn and Michael.

Hobbies/Interests:
Definitely obsessive about genealogy, you might call me a fanatic! I also love to read, especially mysteries. Knitting keeps my hands working. Scrapbooking my memories, and being a couch potato with my beloved Doberman dog, Sasha and my three cats, Bob, Weenie and Cornflake.

Date of ALS diagnosis:
Noticeable symptoms in 2003, diagnosed in Aug. 2005.

Tell us about your life before ALS:
I was very active working full time as a physician substitute in a plasma center and I miss working since I retired in 2006. I also spent over 16 years as a volunteer EMT-Intermediate on local fire dept. ambulance. Horses have always been a part of my life and I was involved in training and showing them for years as well as teaching riding to local children and adults.

Tell us about your life with ALS:
Traveling is my recent passion, although with ALS it is challenging. Since I tire easily and need some consideration due to my disability, I just have to figure out how to meet the tests and a way around them. I am going to start learning American Sign Language in March as another way of communication, since the ALS has affected my speech mostly as well as eating and swallowing. Boy, do I miss eating some foods!

Tell us how ALS has brought new significance to any aspect of your life - family, attitude, hobbies/passions, career, etc. :
The time home now has given me the chance to spend more time on my genealogy, which is my obsession and my goal is to complete as much as I can to pass down to my children and newfound relatives. I have learned to be more tolerant, and learned to appreciate the little things in life. Every day is precious, but I have discovered not to obsess about things we can’t change. A sense of humor goes far, and sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself. My family and my relatives and friends are most important to me; without them, I couldn’t do it. I also am optimistic that I am going to be around for a long time to enjoy my life.

List your favorite quote:
Hope springs eternal.

Do you have a “life motto” or “profound words to live by”:
Approaching each day as a challenge, enjoying it; even the little things are blessings. I appreciate even the insignificant things; they sometimes hold the biggest joys.

Has there been an “a-ha!” moment or a specific turn of events that has helped you live with ALS?
After my diagnosis in 2005, I spent the weekend crying, then decided that was enough and I was going to make the best of what time I may have left, experience all I could and enjoy life.

Is there anything else about you and/or ALS that you want to share with people who read your story?
Have a sense of humor, be able to laugh at yourself. I found that humor is the best way to cope with stresses, and makes you feel better! Remember, you have no expiration date on life, so live the best that you can. Dance like no one is watching!