One of five in her family impacted by ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease; Cathy was diagnosed only months after losing her brother to ALS. Having lost her mother to ALS at the age of 13, Cathy is well educated about the disease and has spent a lifetime coping with its devastating impact. While caretaking for her brother she began to recognize symptoms that he was experiencing in herself. Knowing that her family could not cope with losing her too, she kept her suspicions to herself.Once diagnosed, Cathy became the biggest advocate ALS has ever seen! From teaching junior high school students to educating her co-workers at the Davis Food Co-op, Cathy shares her story with all who will listen. Honestly, it's not hard to listen either. Her spirit is kind. Her voice is soft. And her words eloquently deliver the powerful story of the disease that is so devastatingly killing her motor neurons and will ultimately lead to her passing.
Cathy knows that her days with us are limited and her biggest concern is for her wife Linda, who she is struggling with leaving behind. Federal laws don’t recognize their union, so Linda will not be able to receive her social security checks. They live in a one-bedroom apartment, have been living paycheck-to-paycheck most of their relationship (more than 16 years), and Linda has no family to support her. Cathy is also very worried about her other siblings, each of whom have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene mutation that leads to ALS.
Cathy insists that future generations of children should not have to endure the ravaging effects of ALS. Her courage and strength is unprecedented as she loses mobility with each passing day. Together with Linda, Cathy is often times found performing (music and singing are her passion). Whether it's at a local Farmers Market or a holiday party for other patients facing this disease, she uses this medium to share her words of
