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Starting in May of 2001, Ron became ill for almost a year and a half, and after going to more hospitals, than
Bruce Springsteen has tour dates. Ron was misdiagnosed and took many medications for diseases, he didn't have.
Some doctor's even suggested surgery that would break open his chest bone to remove vital organs.
In July of 2002 , The Social Security Administration, told Ron he was going to live, and based on "their doctor's
recommendation ", was denied benefits and should go back to work.
Having no other choice, he returned to work, and performed poorly,
he felt worse and lost almost 47 pounds down to 132,
on his six foot frame.
Finally, In October of 2002, Ron was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease.
This is his website, that hopes to tell the story of one man's courage and determination while living with Lou Gehrig's Disease and his fight against the American Government.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease. It is commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease -- named after the great New York Yankee first baseman who died of it in 1941. ALS is caused when motor neurons stop functioning. The disease slowly paralyses the muscles while leaving the mind unaffected and completely aware of the body's deterioration. Adult men and women from all ethnic backgrounds, age groups and walks of life are its targets.
Ron has a fatal disease, which will slowly take his life, and yet this country still denies him of his full Social Security benefits, after two and a half years.
He just recently received his Medicare benefits, that he was entitled to by law,
back in January of 2002. But can not pay the bill, due to his lack of income from Social Security.
Ron continues to experience discrimination from the Ocean County Board of Social Services, that is clearly
unable to provide needed services, and is unable to face the strains of Lou Gerhig's Disease.
Ron remains an avid advocate in the finding of a cure for ALS, and is a strong opponent in fighting for the rights of the disabled, and Social Security Reform.
In April, he was in Washington D.C. to appear before members of Congress,
to tell his story, and the stories of others faced with the disease and their fight with governmental policy.
He remains strongly dedicated to appealing the laws, policies and the way this country treats it's American disabled.
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