The ALS Association, Greater Sacramento Chapter November 2012 ...

A Letter From Our PALS – Lauren Spencer’s Story!
My name is Lauren Spencer. I was diagnosed with ALS in 2000 at the age of 14, one of the youngest
ALS patients registered at the Sacramento Chapter office at that time. I’m currently 25 years old. I was
raised in Stockton and I’m a 2005 graduate of Lincoln High School. I currently live in Los Angeles and recently
graduated from Cal State Northridge with my BA degree in TV production. I have been working at a
temporary job transcribing footage for reality shows and doing several freelance video editing projects.
Staying busy and staying focused on my dreams and building a solid career in the entertainment industry is
what I work towards every day.
There is no history of ALS in my family; I’m the only person
to have it thus far. My close family has helped me through
this journey by being supportive and by not treating me any
differently. They don’t “baby” me, but are always there when I
need them. They continue to love and support me just like they
would if I didn’t have ALS.
I definitely have days that I become emotional and
think, “why me” But I try to stay positive by reflecting and focusing
on everything I have achieved. I have my own apartment
in Los Angeles and I have an amazing support system full of
family and friends. I work every day doing what I love to do and
that makes me happy and keeps me positive. I always try to
focus on what brings me joy, despite my fears that I won’t be
accepted or worrying about things I can’t do because of my disease.
I enjoy going to the movies, watching music videos
(because that’s the type of work I do!), hanging out with
friends, going on road trips and doing things that make me
Lauren Spencer
laugh and smile. My proudest accomplishment has been moving
to L.A. and actually staying there to graduate from Northridge. In more general terms, living and making
it through each day is my ultimate proudest accomplishment!
To the readers of this newsletter and to those newly diagnosed with ALS, the true treatment for this
disease is faith and love. Have faith that every day will be greater than the next because what the world has
to offer is bigger than this disease. Have faith that life hasn’t stopped just because you are diagnosed; the
only thing that can stop you from living is you, not ALS. So don’t dwell on what the doctors may tell you and
don’t let Internet “facts” scare you or make you lose your faith because when it is your time to meet God in
Heaven, it is up to Him, so enjoy it while He has you here. Fill each day with people who love and support
you. Do whatever you want in life no matter what it may be. Everything happens for a reason, all you have
to do is explore those reasons because there is a reason you are still alive today. I cannot stress enough how
important and necessary it is to stay positive and seek things that bring joy and peace into your life.
Thanks to the Sacramento Chapter for the emotional support and making me feel that I always have
a home, even though I live in Los Angeles. Blessings to all!
Writer’s Note: Lauren’s story and young diagnosis of ALS was featured on KCRA- Channel 3 TV and the station
also aired footage from her high school graduation in 2005. In addition, she was the guest speaker at
two fundraising events held by the ALS Greater Sacramento Chapter. She did an awesome job, her smile and
positive attitude inspired everyone who attended!
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