CLINTON (WKOW) -- A diagnosis of Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS is devastating for families.
ALS leads to muscle loss, and ultimately death.
And muscles control everything we do, from walking to talking.
But one area man has, so far, been able to hold onto one of those.
Dan DeLong really is "Someone You Should Know."
Dan DeLong loves to meet once a week for lunch with two friends.
They've been having Friday lunch dates since the 90's.
There are rules, like who's going to pay and penalties if you don't show up. And, no girls allowed!
Their weekly outings became more meaningful when Dan was diagnosed with ALS in December of 2007.
"I don't have the desire to go skydiving or ride a bull or anything like that," said Dan. "If I can sit around the table or get together with old friends or buddies or something like that."
Due to muscle loss from the disease, Dan has lost the use of his legs, then the use of his arms.
Dan now rolls instead of walks to see his birdfeeders.
Dan's biggest issue right now are the muscles around his lungs are weak.
But, his vocal chords are amazingly still going strong.
"That's probably the biggest thing that I'm blessed is that I can tell people how much I appreciate (them)," said Dan. "I'm grateful for that to tell people I love them because I know there are a lot of people who don't have that opportunity anymore," said Dan.
Friends say it's his positive attitude that has helped Dan stay strong.
"I try to find humor in anything I can everyday," said Dan.
And lean on friends, family and his faith to keep smiling through the disease.
"Just be appreciative of what you got, because you might not have it tomorrow," said Dan.
There is a golf outing planned for Saturday, July 18th in Janesville.
The golf outing still has openings for our 7am tee time. People must call Friday between 8am-noon to get registered. There are openings for the dinner also & I need those by Friday at noon also. VOLUNTEERS are needed!!!! You can Jackie at 608-751-3935 Friday for more information.
