Has anyone ever worked with someone with ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease?

I have a client with a recent diagnosis and I would like to help with the quality of day to day movement. She has been practicing Pilates for some time so is not new to the Method.

Thank you!

I have a brand new client who was recently diagnosed at Mayo clinic with 'motor neruon disease of the peripheral nervous system". Here in Kansas City, they diagnosed it as early stage ALS. whatever it is, she has lost a lot of functioning on her right lower extremities. I hope to discuss with other instructors who may be doing this work, too. I will keep you posted. so far in 3 sessions, we are pretty much staying on the mat. she is very unstable on her legs.
We can keep each other posted on things we find that work and don't work. I'd love to share information so I can really help her.
thanks for reaching out .

Love to read an update from either of you, Linda & Jennifer

Hi everyone......this subject is close to my heart. My father passed away in 2007 from ALS. This is a horrible, horrible disease that robs a person of their independence of movement as they've always known it. Although he didn't practice Pilates, he enjoyed movement--tennis especially. Some words of advice, or wisdom.......be patient, be positive, encourage them to do what they can and don't judge what they can't do. They can't help it. Their neurons are dying and not ever going to come back. They may be able to function quite well for awhile, then there will be a day that they have tremendous difficulty with something that was easy the day before. Try to laugh, stay light....but work hard. My father enjoyed trying....even when he wasn't really successful. Have compassion.....

Sadly, my client who became my friend, passed away in October. Her abdominal muscles and internal organs were most affected. Her left side relaxed first. She enjoyed footwork on the reformer using the jump board. She loved ballet and so simple movements brought her great joy. It was a true blessing to know and work with her. You're absolutely right Amy, she wanted to work hard each time we met and was never very honest with me about how she was really feeling. I could see a brave face when I know she was really suffering. I now know the importance of the movement, the breathing and the "chat" and the friendship. The permission we have to work to the body's "ideal" for that day is a lovely concept for working with people who are dealing with so much more than others.

What a beautiful, strong lady and at 42yrs, only lived half a life but she had the strength and grace for 10 lives. She loved her Pilates and we both found the movement to be so much more than just exercise...but we all know that :)