Humble Reality Check And The Art Of Living
This post is entirely dedicated to Patrick O’Brien. After my negative post on how to beat lack of motivation yesterday I am already feeling much better, thanks to all of you! You made me cry with your beautiful and heartfelt words and I can’t say thank you enough to each and every one of you who left a comment.
But enough of me. This post is about Patrick O’Brien. Patrick O’Brien is an amazing, strong and very inspiring person, a person who suffers from the terminal illness ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
When Patrick experienced a strange shaking in his legs back in the fall of 2004, he didn’t know that he ways about to receive news that will limit his life span. After countless tests, doctors figured out in May 2005 that he is suffering from a crippling disease that kills one American every 90 minutes. ALS!
ALS patients gradually lose voluntary movement throughout their bodies until only eye control remains. They are slowly getting paralyzed, bit by bit, until they can no longer breath or swallow. It’s a horrible and crippling disease that has no known antidotes to this day.
Patrick knows that his time is limited. Despite this, he has managed to inspire people all around the world by documenting his life during 2006 and 2007. Patrick also:
His website features many video clips, of which some will make you smile and others will make you cry. His upcoming documentary will result in a feature length movie of 75 minutes and is titled “Everything will be ok“.
Patrick is also a famous filmmaker and animator, having worked in the past for Microsoft, MTV and IMB.
I think blogging about Patrick O’Brien is the least I can do to help spread the word. Thanks to Nick Cernis – Put Things Off – I was made aware of Patrick’s plight and I try to do my bit to help spread the word. Please help me to do so by considering to stumble, digg or vote any other way for this post. Or else include Patrick’s story in your next link love or blog post. The more people are aware of this, the sooner doctors might be able to find a cure for ALS.
You can also donate funds to help ALS research on the Patrick O’Brien Foundation website.
When I saw Patrick’s videos I just wanted to hug him. He has touched my heart and I will hold him close to me for a long time to come. He has also made me realize (once again) that the struggles I deal with are nothing in comparison to what he goes through every single day. Patrick although terminal ill has managed to capture the art of living.
Thank you
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Writer Dad | Aug 15, 2008 | Reply
I’ll help out in any way I can. Yesterday’s post was great, by the way.
Rita | Aug 15, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
For personal reasons, I can’t comment much on your blog today, other than to say “thank you,” and to throw every bit of thought, prayer, support and love to a man I’ve never met. Go, Patick, just please, please keep going!
R.
Cath Lawson | Aug 15, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika – What an inspiring story. I’d never heard of ALS. Some of the symptoms sound similar to Parkinsons. I’m going to digg this.
Leanne Magraith | Aug 15, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika
Wow I checked out his site. An inspiring person. His documentary movie will be a must see for me.
Stumbled! (his site and your post)
Monika | Aug 15, 2008 | Reply
@ Writer Dad: Thank you. Patrick is doing something for all of us and that needs all the help one can get. Good to see you stopping by.
Monika | Aug 15, 2008 | Reply
@ Rita: Thank you very much. I’m sure Patrick will feel the wave of love we all send his way. It’s the least we can do. I hope you are ok.
Big hugs to you.
Monika | Aug 15, 2008 | Reply
@ Cath: Neither did I until I heard of Patrick’s story. Pretty scary stuff really. I guess i can relate to it too since I was diagnosed with GBS a couple of years ago. Could have ended up on life support and in a wheel chair myself. Luckily it cleared up within 3 months.
It certainly shocked me out of my conscience. Thanks for the digg and helping spread Patrick’s message.
Monika | Aug 15, 2008 | Reply
@ Leanne: Yes, I’m with you on that. I want to see his documentary once it is live. Thanks for the help to spread the message too.
Jenny | Aug 19, 2008 | Reply
Every click is another person educated! This was a great post, your crying because of beautiful words, put out a beautiful post worth crying over. Patrick is truly inspirational!
Monika | Aug 20, 2008 | Reply
@ Jenny: Yes he is. He helps change many people’s views on what is really important in life.
I loved your quote too. So beautiful.
Michele | Nov 14, 2008 | Reply
Hi- Beautiful article about a beautiful person. Patrick is nearing completion of his film but is in urgent need of funding. He also does not have medical Insurance so all help is needed. I have asked anyone who would normally buy me gifts for the holidays to please make a donation instead and for everyone interested to think of something they could do to have a fundraiser asap.
His website is updated with a New Trailer and a plea for corporate funding. Please keep passing the word around. Patrick has such a huge gift to give and has worked so hard. I hope we can all help. Thanks! Michele
Michele | Nov 14, 2008 | Reply
http://www.patrickobrienfoundation.org/blog/10/08/corporate-funding
Forgot to post a link. sorry.