Corey Perrine | Photojournalist

Essay: ALS | A Life Shortened (In progress)

It began with two fingers.

In April of 2008, Bob knew something wasn't right when he felt numbness in his hand. He checked it out at the doctor's office. Got an opinion. Got a second and third opinion. Eventually, the outcome was final, Bob Gordon had ALS.

Known medically as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and commonly as Lou Gehrig's disease, the neurodegenerative disease attacks the upper and lower motor neurons. Eventually the victim will succumb to respiratory failure despite the aid of a breathing machine.

There is no known cause.

There is no cure.

Those who suffer such horrific such circumstances are given 2-3 years to live from the time of diagnosis.

However, despite obstacles, Anita, and daughters Lauren, 25, and Leah, 20, stay upbeat while facing the inevitable. Anita says she cherishes each day as if it were her last. Her Christian faith keeps her strong and Bob added, "We stand on God's promises."

http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2011-06-04/evans-couple-count-blessings-along-als-journey

Sleeping hand-in-hand, Anita Gordon, left, and husband Bob spend the night in observation at the intensive care unit after Bob experienced a blood clot Sept. 4, 2010 at the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta, Ga. Since 2008 Bob has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, it attacks the motor neuron system. His wife Anita and daughters Lauren, 25, and Leah, 19, learn to adapt and transition as Bob deteriorates. However, despite challenges, cope and adapt as time passes by.
   
Anita and Leah race uphill to try and catch Bob as he playfully laughs before entering the Matfess residence May 21, 2010 in Evans, Ga. The trio attended a graduation party for their graduating neighbor, Hilary, across the street.
   
After much talking, advice and prayer the family collectively decides to have a tracheotomy procedure July 9, 2010 at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga. Weeks prior, Bob has been struggling to breathe on his own without the use of a breathing machine and mask. Here, Anita places her hand on Bob's head as he awakens from his surgery. Iodine covers his neck area and he is monitored overnight. The new adjustment causes him to cough a little bit as blood escapes his trachea area. Despite the hard decision, this was pivotal in comfort for Bob. However, he would no longer be able to breathe for himself, a machine is now a hundred percent his lung strength. "We should have done this sooner," Anita said.
     
  
Bob is hugged by Physical Therapist, Charlotte A. Chatto, after he hit his head accidentally when asked to used his abdominal muscles to sit upright. He was okay afterward. These routine visits are every six months to track the progression of the disease. Muscular tests give doctors an estimate of life left. Anita says she has to leave the room when they talk about such information.
   
David L. Bigger, left, an attorney, helps Bob and Anita with advance directives, a last will and testament, IRA funds, and power of attorney forms May 12, 2010 at Fulcher Hagler, LLP Attorneys at Law in Augusta, Ga. Bob said he wanted to make sure his family was "taken care of," and not be burdened by financial or legal issues when the time comes.
   
A picture of Jesus Christ hangs on the wall depicting his physical and spiritual redemption power June 13, 2010 as he is helped by Lauren and Anita out of his wheelchair at their Evans, Ga. home. "I'm not afraid of dying because I know where I'm going," Bob said.
     
  
Surrounded by friends and family, Bob smiles, Oct. 10, 2010 on the Riverwalk in Augusta, Ga. The group was out supporting the Gordon's in the annual ALS walk with donations and making a few laps adjacent the Savannah River. A dozen groups and hundreds were also present in the cause.
   
Anita repeats, "I hate this, I hate this, I hate this." as they have to make the transition of a medical bed in their bedroom June 4, 2010 in Evans. Ga. The rails and motorized upright positions help Bob from rolling and supports his breathing.
   
Despite having equipment to help him talk via audio voice box, Bob finds it hard to type anymore. Here, Anita struggles to figure out the word DIARY May 18, 2011 at their Evans, Ga. home. Meanwhile Pixie, their cat, marks her territory: Bob's lap.
     
  
From left, Justin Chirpy, Lauren's boyfriend, Bob, Lauren, Leah and Anita work to move Bob in a patient lift as he is transported to his motorized wheelchair and given a wipe down with moist towels at a hotel Feb. 7, 2011 in Jupiter, Fla. This was their last planned family vacation. Anita says she knew it was becomes it's taxing on Bob body.
   
The top of a cruise ship can be seen behind white tent spires as, from left, Leah, Bob and friend, Linda Wylie, wait to board Feb. 7, 2011 in Miami, Fla. This was their last Family vacation as they sailed around the Florida Keys.
   
Anita leans over to give Bob a kiss June 29, 2010 at their home in Evans, Ga. The two celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. Anita gave Bob a season of the television series LOST and Christian music and Bob ordered a diamond cross necklace. Celebrations like this are low-key as they work to conserve his energy.