Neil Brourman

For most people, perspective is often gained only at the end of a long and arduous journey. It is the rare individual that gains true perspective during the course of their journey.

Neil Brourman and Family

Dr. Neil Brourman is one of those extraordinary people who possesses a crystal clear idea of what "perspective" really means. He is reminded of it every day since he was diagnosed with ALS. One might say that Brourman has been enlightened since then-enlightened with a deeper insight into the meaning of life.

Despite the toll ALS has taken on his body, Brourman continues to thrive and enjoy life to the fullest.

"Our lives have been fortunate because we have been surrounded by love-and that is the meaning of life," he says. "While money might make the world go round, I noticed from a young age growing up in Beverly Hills, that some of the wealthiest people were also some of the unhappiest. I have met rich people who are happy and poor people who are happy. What they share is love."

Brourman explains that he draws his strength from his family. "Being able to see my two children, Daniel and David, and my wonderful and devoted wife, Gina, helps me cope with this dreadful disease."

Shortly after his diagnosis, Brourman - a Beverly Hills opthamologist - was forced to sell his thriving practice. To Brourman, though, it was not the end, it meant something new. Since selling his medical practice, he has enrolled in law school. After graduation, he plans on becoming an advocate for disabled individuals by fighting for patients' rights.

To be sure, law school has been a rigorous challenge. Even though his body has been failing him (he is currently quadriplegic and on a ventilator), he managed to get top grades in his class during his first year of law school. In addition, he was awarded honors for earning the highest grade in two of his courses.

He also has helped many other people stricken with ALS through his fund-raising efforts and by directly educating them. Notably, Brourman and his family have established "The Neil Brourman, M.D. ALS Research Fund" to hasten the development of more effective therapies and a possible cure for ALS. One's perspective could be that instead of saving the eyesight of patients (as an opthamologist), he is now saving lives.

"It is very important for the treating physician to be compassionate toward the patients and help them in any way possible-not just to dismiss the disease as incurable," he says.

Since his diagnosis, Brourman has found himself on the other side of the doctor-patient relationship.

"I have a new perspective in that a patient can be so vulnerable and dependent on his physician," he says. "A physician's demeanor, diagnosis and caring ways are very important to the patient. Compassion is very important. It is important for doctors not to give false diagnoses, and the primary care physicians should be more aware about ALS patients. They should be aware of the initial signs so that they can refer the patients to a neurologist."

During his journey these past two years, Brourman has become aware of the need to educate the public about ALS.

"Many people do not understand that there is nothing wrong with the brains of ALS patients. In fact, they are very intact," he says. "Also, some people think that ALS patients do not hear. The public needs more education-[they have to know] that it is only muscles, not brain power, that is affected."

Many people might conclude that Neil Brourman's life has been thrown into upheaval, turmoil. Though he is unable to speak, one only has to look into his eyes that sparkle at the joy of being so alive. This man truly thrives and enjoys his life in full. "I feel like the luckiest man in the world," he says.

"I am blessed because I have loving parents, a dear sister and brother, my friends, my dear and loving wife, Gina, and our fabulous children."