How the VA helps Army Veteran Otero manage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
"I was diagnosed with ALS in 2021; the VA Caribbean Healthcare System and the Spinal Cord Team have been a beacon of hope for me and my family. I was 34 years old when I was diagnosed with ALS. I was worried for myself but primarily for my family."
I was 34 years old when I was diagnosed with ALS. I was worried for myself but primarily for my family. As a father of 3 boys, I experienced many emotions, but my biggest concern was being present for them. From the moment I was diagnosed and began receiving treatment at the VA, I was introduced to the Spinal Cord Injury team. They have assisted me with making my home accessible, providing care to help me at home, and giving me state-of-the-art prosthetics equipment such as a motorized wheelchair and respiratory equipment. They have also facilitated the process of acquiring my own adapted vehicle through the Veterans Benefits Administration. But above everything, what I am most grateful for is receiving an outpouring of emotional support and a 5-star service that makes me feel in debt to the VA for helping me navigate my new life while fighting this disease, Manuel Jesús Otero – Army Veteran.
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
ALS is a neurological disease that causes degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and loss of function. ALS ultimately hinders a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe. Considering the damage ALS can do, it is essential to spread awareness so Veterans can be treated as early as possible. Though there is no cure, early detection and expert clinical care can provide optimal quality of life through comprehensive interdisciplinary care.
The VA Caribbean Healthcare System serves Veterans with ALS under the Spinal Cord Injury Specialty Program, coordinated by the ALS Coordinator,
"Working with ALS patients and their families has filled me with incredible joy. They are the most resilient people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. My main goal is to provide them with the resources they need and watch them have the best quality of life possible. - Verónica Restrepo Flores- ALS Coordinator.”
How can we help?
To learn more about ALS, visit als.org and pva.org/als. Raise community awareness. Join the ALS Foundation of Puerto Rico: fundacionalspr.org. There is no cure, but there is hope. Let's raise awareness, support those affected, and spread the word!