About Amy:
Amy is the mastermind, inspiration, and founder of OPALS 4 ALS.
Over the course of her life, Amy has poured her whole heart into her family, her friends and her career. She’s been married to Brian for 25 years. She’s the best mom to Erin, Anna and Adam and their biggest supporter and cheerleader. In addition, Amy has touched the lives of countless kids and their families working as an elementary school teacher for 20 years at the Oak Creek School District.
Amy’s presence lights up a room. She is genuine, kind and thoughtful. Her sense of humor and infectious smile make her approachable and easy to relate to. Being around her is good for a person’s soul.
This fiercely independent person was diagnosed with bulbar onset ALS in 2022, and the diagnosis has changed the course of her life.
The way Amy has lived her life both before her diagnosis and after is a testament to her strength.
The Dash Poem
by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted first came the date of the birth and spoke the following date with tears.
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between the years.
For that dash represents all the time that they spent life on Earth. And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash. What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash.
So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real, and always try to understand the way other people feel.
Be less quick to anger and show appreciation more, and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?
In Amy’s Words:
A-L-S. The three damn letters nobody ever expects to hear.
Whether we realize it or not, we are all standing in line. In most cases, being able to cut to the front or skip people is an exciting feeling because your wait is shorter. But what if the line is your life and you’re suddenly finding yourself at the finish line kicking and screaming unable to go back to where you were?
That’s what being diagnosed with ALS feels like. In an instant, someone flips over your hourglass and the sand starts flowing faster and faster. You’re now a member of a club nobody wants to be a part of.
When my hourglass got flipped over, I gained a new perspective on life, one that I wish I had earlier and one that I wish I could share with everyone.
When I read “The Dash Poem” by Linda Ellis, it rocked me to my core. Hard. This is as close to being able to share my perspective as I can get.
As I finish my dash, however long that is, and as hard as it is for me to call in favors, I ask you to consider donating your time and expertise and/or contributing financially to OPALS 4 ALS.
My hope is to create opportunities for people living with ALS to be pampered, to bring them joy, and to restore a sense of beauty that ALS strips away.
Sincerest thanks for considering.
Now, go live your dash and relish whatever place in line you’re at.
~Amy
