Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Angelo became a nature and wildlife photographer and writer in 1997. A year later, he received a diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), but has continued to travel and publish marvelous works. His magazine photo credits include Nature Photographer, Natural History and MDA’s Quest.

Dorothy received a master’s degree in library science and has retired from her career of 25 years as a medical librarian. She has been painting off and on for 20 years. Dorothy was the Oregon state recipient of the Robert Ross MDA Personal Achievement Award in 2008. In addition to painting, her hobbies include reading and researching medical questions.

Susan worked 25 years as an X-ray technician. She began painting after receiving the diagnosis of ALS. Susan also collected postcards from countries around the world.

This work commemorates a piece Gary created showing himself in a wheelchair and using a ventilator — seven years before his diagnosis of ALS. He received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Southwest Missouri State University, and a master’s degree in fine arts from the Maryland Institute, College of Art, in Baltimore. Gary began creating paintings and sculptures in high school. His works have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums.

Bill was a retired high school teacher, and author of two plays and a children’s novel. This artwork was inspired by Bill’s interest in baseball and his admiration of Lou Gehrig, who retired from baseball in 1939 after receiving a diagnosis of ALS. Bill painted this work by holding the paintbrush in his mouth. He donated two other paintings to the Art Collection.

Tom began painting in 1995. He held the paintbrush in his mouth to create his works, which captured his love of mountain pastures, valleys and lakes.

Douglas graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design with a bachelor’s degree in fine art and a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. He taught sculpture and design at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, for many years and also became a blacksmith. After opening his own forge business in Lesterville, his nickname became “Dr. Iron.” Douglas received the Robert Ross 2007 MDA Personal Achievement Award for Missouri.

Dan worked for the Ford Motor Company for many years. After receiving a diagnosis of ALS at age 30, he left work and began helping others. He campaigned for barrier-free buildings, advocated for those with disabilities and became an artist. Dan created paintings by balancing a paintbrush between his teeth to transform blank canvases into works of art that vary from landscapes to portraits. In 1993, he received the MDA Personal Achievement Award for Michigan.

Fred has been painting for more than 30 years but began working on linoleum block images after receiving a diagnosis of ALS. He has exhibited his block prints in local galleries and shows, and also creates greeting cards and computer artwork.

David received a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and taught junior high school art for 13 years. Prior to his retirement, he designed layouts for landscape projects. David hasn’t painted for several years, but after receiving a diagnosis of ALS, he resumed painting his favorite subjects – landscapes.