Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/386368
28 Hudson Valley Parent ■ October 2014 mobility in his arms. Local doctors chalked it up to his old neck inju- ry, and he had an invasive surgery that left him in a wheelchair. They moved to Florida anyway (taking the train, of course). Retirement lost Within a year of moving there to start a brand new chapter in their lives, Florida doctors diagnosed Dude with ALS. They said he had about a year to live. For that next year, we watched his body betray him. This man, who was strong and determined and wise and hilarious, was now trapped in a body that wouldn't work. This man — the provider, the strong father and grandfather who moved his kids into countless new homes, built his own home from scratch, fixed ev- erything and preferred duct tape to bandages when he got hurt, helped EVERYONE else with everything — was now a quadriplegic confined to a wheelchair. He now required help to do absolutely everything. After our daughter, Anna, was born, we flew down to visit as often as we could. The photo of them was taken the last time Anna and I saw Dude alive. We were celebrating An- na's first birthday. Dude was feeling depressed. By this point he had lost all muscle control in his body except for the one finger on his right hand that he used to move himself around in his electric wheelchair, and he was starting to lose control of that finger. He could only take fluids by a straw. He was cold all the time. He was having real trouble speaking. Saying goodbye Shortly after that last trip, Matt's mom called to tell us that Dude's lungs had collapsed. The muscles had finally given way. He was hospi- talized and put on a respirator. Be- ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE (Continued from Page 27) • Ultimate experience in Jewish education at a very low cost • Programs for preschoolers through Bar/Bat Mitzvah and beyond • Embracing cultural diversity and interfaith families Explore Jewish Traditionin a Nurturing Community It's never too late to make Jewish traditions YOUR traditions! Call us today! Nava Herzog, Religious Leader/Principal 845-778-1203 3206 Rt. 9W New Windsor, NY 12553 (845) 561-5227 301 Main Street Beacon, NY 12508 (845) 831-5995 ORANGEPEDIATRICCARE.COM ORANGE PEDIATRIC CARE, P.C. Looking for Quality, Compassionate, Personalized Pediatric Care? Call us today for care you and your child will know and trust! Maria Bernardez, MD - Board Certifi cate, FAAP Pediatrician • Evelyn Santiago, FNP Discover the relief you desire for you and your child! • Structural Correction focuses on changing the body naturally. • Address the cause of: scoliosis, migraines, body pain, lack of energy and more • Stop treating symptoms. We help fi x the problem. FREE Consultation 845-485-5656 205 South Avenue, Suite 107 • Poughkeepsie painfreebody.com