Click here to find out more about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease.

Name: Yvonne Swords

Hometown, state: Boca Raton, FL

Age: 60

Family: My husband Guy, my daughter Christina, my brothers Garry and Ciaran, as well as, my extended family and friends

Hobbies/Interests: gardening, reading, traveling, music

Favorite quote:

I have this on a card someone sent to me: Tomorrow is the future, yesterday is the past, today is a gift…that’s why it is called the “present”

Date of ALS diagnosis: March 2010

Tell us about your life before ALS:  

I was born on February 19,1950 in Dublin, Ireland.  When I was 9 years old I came to America and my family settled in Brooklyn, NY.  Then in 1980 I moved to West Palm Beach, FL.  For the past 20 years I have worked with my husband guy running our family owned specialty men's store offering designer menswear.  I spent my summers traveling the world with my family.  Our favorite destinations are Ireland, Italy and California.  My husband is a wine freak so we always spent time in the wine country and visiting local farmer's markets on our vacations.  The last vacation we took was to Spain and Ireland.  On the last night in Ireland I started to feel run down.  My biggest complaint was a sore throat.  I didn't think much of it, as we had been traveling for three weeks.  The sore throat worsened and I developed what I thought was laryngitis.  This was the beginning of my epic journey that resulted in my diagnoses of ALS and now my willingness to defeat this vicious disease!  

Tell us about your life with ALS:

 I have the Bulbar ALS and I am still adjusting to the reality of my diagnosis. Unfortunately I can’t speak at all and I have difficulty swallowing and breathing.  Gratefully, I still have use of my legs and arms and haven't experienced any pain whatsoever.  On June 10th, 2010 I am getting a PEG (feeding tube) so I don’t aspirate.  I do not look forward to having a feeding tube, but I know if I want to defeat ALS it is a simple adjustment that I must make!  

Do you have a “life motto” or profound words to live by?

 You must continue to seek happiness in order to overcome suffering.  "Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth, "you owe me".  Look what happens with a love like that, it lights the whole sky!" _ Hafiz

Has there been an “ah-ha!” moment or a specific turn of events that has helped you live with ALS?

 My daughter Christina and husband Guy have started a charity called "Y No Cure".  Please join us in our quest so "Y" won't stand for WHY but YES there is a CURE!  It is great to be the recipient of the good that  comes out in people when one is in need!  I thank you and all of my family and friends from the bottom of my heart for supporting me.  

Tell us how ALS has brought new significance to any aspect of your life:

 I am proactive in mending my broken spirit.  I live each day appreciating all that I have.  For instance, since  I have the use of my legs and arms I walk as often as possible.  This allows me to appreciate the sunshine, to treasure my family, to watch my flowers grow, to go to the beach, to enjoy the rain.  I have also started doing Qigong and Origami.   

Is there anything else about you and/or ALS that you want to share with people who read your story?

 I never said “why me”.  I try to be as positive as possible but sometimes it’s very hard.  Luckily I have my support group (family & friends) and they are great at pulling me out of the funk.