Susan

Patrick and Susan

This past week, fellow ALS journeyer Susan Catlett passed away. Her passing hit Patrick and I hard. It wasn't unexpected but it never seems to lessen the blow, frankly loss is loss. Susan and her husband Cliff, were two of the first people we met at ALS support group three years ago. They welcomed us into our new "ALS family" and over the past few years we developed a friendship started by an awful diagnosis, a reminder that in all things there are silver linings. Susan and Patrick were the first two ALS patients on the Sacramento ALS Association Board of Directors, bringing a patient perspective to the board and being the voice of ALS patients.

Susan Catlett was courageous and I don't use this term lightly. I've heard people say "oh she is so courageous, she has a terminal disease." I don't believe a person is courageous because they get a disease, I'll take this a step further and say I've met people with serious diseases that I don't find courageous. It's how you chose to manage having the disease that makes a person courageous not the other way around. 

Susan Catlett took an awful diagnosis and did what she does best, treated it as an opportunity to educate others. She was a teacher all her life so after being diagnosed she began blogging her thoughts and experiences on living with ALS (www.susanssteps.com). What I truly admired was her honesty, she didn't sugar coat it. If she had a "sad day" she wrote a blog on having a sad day. She talked about the physical challenges, remaining positive and finding purpose with ALS. She continued to inspire, educate and draw awareness to what is truly "an orphan disease." In addition to the blog, Susan spent time sharing her experiences with interns at UC Davis and various church congregations throughout the area. She was an inspiration to many people and a tireless advocate for ALS awareness.

I have no doubt that Susan will continue to inspire those she left behind.  A 100 years from now someone will be reading her blog and think "what a courageous woman." I'm also hopeful they will be thinking "I'm so glad they cured ALS." Farewell Susan, dance with the angels, walk on strong legs and watch over Cliff from above. Patrick and I are honored to have known you.