Change of Seasons
In support of
J. Doig & Family
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J. Doig & Family
May 11, 2026 was the last day “ALS” would not be a part of our daily lives.
Since November of 2025 we had been noticing increasing weakness in J.’s left leg/foot and his left hand. After a visit to his PCP, we decided to go to a neurologist first. May 12 was our first visit. She completed all sorts of muscle tests-push here, pull there, look here, squeeze there. After 20-30 minutes of this with no hesitation she said she believed J. had ALS aka Lou Gehrig’s disease. She had a cancellation the next day and wanted to bring him back for two more tests. After many tears, and not a whole lot of sleep, we returned the next day for J. to receive an EMG and NCS. The person told us the doctor would set up another appointment to speak to us and walked out. The doctor immediately walked in and said everything she saw on both tests confirmed the diagnosis. She had sent all his paperwork to Emory to get him on the waiting list the day before, and she wanted him to go for 2 MRI’s. The speed that everything was taking place and the willingness for the doctor to be so open and clear with us was already pointing to God’s presence. We had no clue what ALS was, where to begin, or what to avoid. Her exact words were “don’t fall”…and wait for Emory. So, that’s where we have been since May 13. We completed the 2 MRI’s which we will take with us to Emory. We have our first appt with Dr. Glass at Emory on July 14.
The waiting has been tough. The tears come a little less each day, the fears ebb and flow. Somehow our love for one another feels even more deep and stronger than before, and praise Jesus our trust in Him is what we cling to each day. Although at this time the need is simply prayer, we know the day will come where we will need our friends, our family, our church family in a way we never have before. That is why I set up this page.
The prayers we have shared with those closest to us to pray:
-Appointment on July 14 (clarity)
Since November of 2025 we had been noticing increasing weakness in J.’s left leg/foot and his left hand. After a visit to his PCP, we decided to go to a neurologist first. May 12 was our first visit. She completed all sorts of muscle tests-push here, pull there, look here, squeeze there. After 20-30 minutes of this with no hesitation she said she believed J. had ALS aka Lou Gehrig’s disease. She had a cancellation the next day and wanted to bring him back for two more tests. After many tears, and not a whole lot of sleep, we returned the next day for J. to receive an EMG and NCS. The person told us the doctor would set up another appointment to speak to us and walked out. The doctor immediately walked in and said everything she saw on both tests confirmed the diagnosis. She had sent all his paperwork to Emory to get him on the waiting list the day before, and she wanted him to go for 2 MRI’s. The speed that everything was taking place and the willingness for the doctor to be so open and clear with us was already pointing to God’s presence. We had no clue what ALS was, where to begin, or what to avoid. Her exact words were “don’t fall”…and wait for Emory. So, that’s where we have been since May 13. We completed the 2 MRI’s which we will take with us to Emory. We have our first appt with Dr. Glass at Emory on July 14.
The waiting has been tough. The tears come a little less each day, the fears ebb and flow. Somehow our love for one another feels even more deep and stronger than before, and praise Jesus our trust in Him is what we cling to each day. Although at this time the need is simply prayer, we know the day will come where we will need our friends, our family, our church family in a way we never have before. That is why I set up this page.
The prayers we have shared with those closest to us to pray:
-Appointment on July 14 (clarity)
-Financial decisions & wisdom in planning and correct timing (insurance, SS, disability, etc)
-Clarity and peace in decisions such as work and knowing when to cut back, home and alterations that will need to take place, etc that we will rest in the Lord and not become anxious
-Continued opportunities to share Christ with our unsaved family & friends
-Kingdom focused and that ALS will not be all consuming
-That we will suffer and endure well-that whoever we come in contact with will know God more fully through our testimony to His faithfulness in our lives.
-Hearts to receive help & focus on God's dependability in our weaknesses (instead of letting pride take root)
Thank you for taking the time to lift us and our family up in your thoughts and prayers. We know Tuesday will be a very long and full day at Emory. We will update here in the coming days as we continue to learn and navigate our days ahead. This platform is a way we can share without having to share time and time again. Thank you for understanding our need for this-to save time, energy, and emotion. We love you all!
Comments
Steve Vibert about 1 month ago