Andres Albaladejo, a 41-year-old school resource officer from Florida, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in 2023. The condition causes progressive loss of muscle control and has no cure, but medical treatment can slow its progression.
Albaladejo first noticed muscle spasms in his left arm in April 2023, which initially seemed harmless. However, the spasms progressed, leading to arm weakness, difficulty gripping things, and high blood pressure. After several months, doctors confirmed the diagnosis, leaving Albaladejo and his wife Carmen heartbroken.
Carmen has become Albaladejo’s primary caregiver, documenting their family’s journey on TikTok to raise awareness about ALS. The condition can cause symptoms such as difficulty walking, tripping, and slurred speech, often starting in the hands, feet, arms, or legs.
As a result of his diagnosis, Albaladejo has had to adapt to using a wheelchair and has worried about the future, including his 11-year-old daughter Sophia. However, he remains determined to leave a lasting legacy for her, hoping she will see him as a hero despite facing this challenging disease.
The family is now navigating life with ALS, relying on medical treatment to slow its progression. Despite the challenges, they are trying to stay strong and make the best of their situation, with Carmen’s sister starting a GoFundMe that has already raised over $26,000 to support their efforts.
Source: https://people.com/florida-father-has-1-minor-symptom-before-he-s-given-2-years-to-live-11754248