Stories of Courage: Gloria Albarran

Gloria Albarran Fights ALS With The Help of The Association's South Texas Chapter

January 19, 2004

In 1998, Gloria Albarran was a registered nurse in a busy San Antonio hospital when she first experienced symptoms of ALS, weakness in her hands and fine motor movement. She looked in her medical books and diagnosed herself with ALS before her neurologist did.

In November of 1999, she was given the diagnosis and since that time her life and that of her husband, Carlos, has changed significantly. Now at the age of 61, Carlos and Gloria are both retired, and Carlos is a full-time caregiver. His labor of love is unrelenting. Although Gloria has lost her mobility and takes her nourishment through a feeding tube, she is still able to write on her notebook pad to communicate with her family.

Aware of the daily effort it takes to aid in her care, Gloria is thankful that Carlos has the South Texas Chapter (http://www.alsa-south-tx.org/) of The ALS Association to turn to for support. Gloria and Carlos attend support group meetings and are strong advocates for other ALS families. The couple was able to take advantage of the respite services offered by the chapter, so that Carlos could get away to take care of other family matters. They have used durable medical equipment and the augmentative communication device from the chapter's loan bank. Most of all, the chapter serves as a source of strength, determination and hope for the future as Gloria continues her battle with ALS.

The chapter is thankful to know Gloria and Carlos as well. They have represented the association in many community activities. "They are wonderful, caring people," says Kristin Bonilla, patient services coordinator for the South Texas Chapter. "Gloria is always smiling and continues to help others by using her nursing knowledge and real life experience with ALS. Carlos often comes to the office to share his famous salsa with the staff. They are both a blessing to our chapter!"