Name: James E. Wallace

Hometown, State: Worcester, MA

Age: 64

Family:
Wife: Jane Wallace
Children: Jane, Christopher, Allison

Hobbies/Interests: Family, law, golf, basketball

Date of ALS diagnosis: 2004

Tell us about your life before ALS:
I had an active life playing basketball and golf regularly; practicing law as a trial lawyer and advising college and university clients; traveling to visit family in San Francisco and Santa Fe.

Tell us about your life with ALS:
As ALS has progressed, I am now in a power wheelchair; unable to do many of the activities I used to do.

Tell us how ALS has brought new significance to any aspect of your life - family, attitude, hobbies/passions, career, etc.:
I continue to work as a lawyer but have accepted other limitations. Needless to say, I take nothing for granted and have profound respect for those living with more disabling conditions than I have and for those caring for them. Each day is an opportunity.

List your favorite quote:
"Wisdom too often never comes, and so one ought not to reject it merely because it comes late." --Felix Frankfurter

Do you have a “life motto” or “profound words to live by”:
"Illegitimati non carborundum." (Don't let the bastards grind you down.)

Has there been an “a-ha!” moment or a specific turn of events that has helped you live with ALS?
When I realized that my (much appreciated) appointments with the ALS Center were not to cure me but to care for me.

Is there anything else about you and/or ALS that you want to share with people who read your story?
Never give up.