April 22, 2023 3 min read 58 Comments
Photo By Jessie Bond.
By Ray Glier
I was a left-hand hitter in baseball. I earned a varsity letter at a small prep school on the west end of Richmond, Va. It was a boarding school in the countryside so, without much to do for getting in trouble, we could do batting practice every day after school. I was mostly average, and one summer at 11 not good at all, but that spring season in the countryside when I was 14, I hit .360 and batted second. It was because of practice every day.
I always thought I had something in common with Lou Gehrig.
This Geezer Jock, me, was diagnosed with ALS this week, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I’m 66. I wasn’t ready for it. Nobody’s ready for it. Doc says I am “early” but no one knows for sure.
I believe in the shared community of tragedy and joy and courage.
Now I need you to share your courage because I am determined not to let this disease intimidate me.
It won last week after the preliminary diagnosis. I skipped Geezer Jock for the second time in 94 issues. I need to fight back harder.
Nobody has won against ALS. Some stay alive longer than others. I need to believe stronger in what the medical scientist Norman Cousins termed “the biology of hope.”
Maybe this was God’s plan all along. Set me on a path toward Geezer Jock and rally a community of strong-willed, never quit people and show others what courage and hope look like. Together.
I am also determined to get everything out of the medical community it has to offer. One medicine, thanks to Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks, is affordable, if they stock it. The other two drugs, my doctor insists, are not affordable and hard to get. Perhaps we go on a crusade together to push these companies, who also need to make money to continue valuable research.
I need to get accustomed to living with this disease and stay active and eat high-calorie food. It's harder than I realized.
It’s the mental side that is hardest, the pitcher throwing 100 mph with a nasty, break-your-toe slider. I need to fight back against this sense of doom. Gratitude and hope need to take the space occupied by doom.
A couple more things, please.
My wife, Jessie, and two sons, Raymond and Alexander, are Warriors like me.
A new friend, whose dad, also named Ray had ALS. She addresses me as “Warrior Ray”. I like that. I need that.
Finally, I get ashamed when I say “Why me?” This is a rare disease.
Well, why not me?
Teenage boys died on the beaches of Normandy.
Six million Jews were murdered in Europe.
Children are gunned down in classrooms.
Innocent Ukrainians die every day at the hands of a mad man.
My beloved brother, Tom, was taken at 51 and left behind two young sons and a loving wife.
A friend at church, a mom with two young kids and loving husband, was gone at 47.
Children die at sea escaping warlords. Children die of cancer.
Man has brutalized man over skin color in ways more gruesome than my diagnosis.
ALS is rare, Jessie said, but when you add up all the rare diseases in the world, and all the senseless killings, which is a disease itself, ALS is not so rare on the trauma scale.
So I need to say, “Why not me?”
Get behind me, Geezer Jocks. I need your courage.
I'm one of 11 children. Mom and dad made 13. Nonetheless, I have felt lucky and blessed. I aspire to be like Lou Gehrig (in more than a sweet left-handed swing). He said this:
"I might have been given a bad break, but I’ve got an awful lot to live for. Thank you."
May 11, 2023
I love you to pieces, Ray. You’ve got the heart of a fighter. Stacy and I will keep you in our prayers. Holler if you need us. We ain’t far away.
May 04, 2023
Dear Ray, you are surrounded by so much love and so many prayers. Thanks for letting us all know of your diagnosis so we can all stand with you. Your church community is here for you as well as all the communities you have built around you always.
May 04, 2023
Ray, I hope you don’t feel you have to be at battle all the time, or that missing an issue when you are having a rough week is a failure. I trust you and your beautiful family will figure out a way forward, and some days will be really hard. I hope you will let all of us lighten your burden and walk with you.
May 04, 2023
Ray,
You are such an inspiration for us Geezers! We are in your corner, on your team, in the bullpen, in the dugout and in the stands looking to support you any way we are able. Continue to knock it out of the park for yourself, family and fans. Take care of yourself so you can win this fight.
May 03, 2023
As someone who has had chronic illness since 2006 and lost a close friend and husband young, I know what it is to ask why, and I’m so sorry that you are facing this scary diagnosis. It all seems unfair, and I’m sure the not-knowing-what-is-to-come makes it much scarier. I asked why until I came to the end of all my why’s. I didn’t come to “why not” but rather that there was a “why” infinitely more meaningful. I’m sure I’ll be accused of bad theology, but although I didn’t think God created my problems, I felt it was God’s chance to finally get my full attention, to get me to fully yield to whatever God’s plan for my life was. I didn’t like the plan at first, but I found that the story of Joseph in Genesis rang true— that God could take whatever bad comes from this world and work it for good, for me and for others. For me, this good was that it led to a deeper relationship w God and a true peace that I didn’t have when I was the one running my life. I don’t say all this to minimize any suffering you feel. It truly sucks, Ray, and I’m so sorry. But I hope you can get to a place of greater peace with what you are facing. It’s the work I still do every day. You are such a bright light; I know you will find the diamond in this pit. I will be praying for you. Best, Ashley
May 03, 2023
Thank you Ray for your courage to show up over and over to your family, friends and fans.
I know you will use the same fortitude for yourself because you ARE a warrior.
The presence and wisdom to make sense of things is your superpower, and I’m grateful for your inspiring storytelling in the face of such a challenge.
I have to take my shoes off to help me count the ways I know you have quietly helped others at times of trouble, and on behalf of those in need of forbearance.
I love you and your family and I pray for the courage to be present as needed, and not shrink from fear of not knowing what to do for you all in the days to come.
Peace and hugs. God be with us all in love.
May 01, 2023
Hi Ray,
We’re pulling for you. Pam just told us of your diagnosis and sent us the link to here; I’m glad for the opportunity to chime in and send you our hopes for the best. We are fighting our own war, against Genevieve’s cancer, which has been kept at bey for 18 years but now is looking more threatening. So we know about the ups and downs the you are experiencing and hope with you for the best. Her strategy has been to stay as busy as possible, churning out knitted and woven objects by the score and helping to look after little Genevieve (7) and Sylvia (1) – and me (75). The wolf may be at the door, but ignoring it helps. I would also encourage you to explore the world of treatment outside of GA. Genevieve’s last 18 months of life have been due to the marvelous docs here at UWisc and at the Mayo Clinic, who encouraged us to explore surgery options at UW that Emory had written off. She’s now looking to join a clinical trial at UW for a new immunotherapy drug. Fingers X’d. So push the docs and explore the web for options. I recommend reading about Steven Hawking, who survived 70 years with ALS. All the best to you and Jesse, Don
May 01, 2023
Ray, many thanks for telling our “stories” so beautifully and with such energy and passion. May your “story” be as equally uplifting as the many victories you have covered.
April 29, 2023
I will say a prayer for you and your family every time I put on my Geezer Jock hat.
April 27, 2023
Your community of GeezerJocks is certainly behind you, Ray!!! Be unstoppable, use the inspiration from the stories that you tell us so eloquently and passionately, and carry on.
April 26, 2023
Good luck, sir. Enjoy each day to the fullest.
April 26, 2023
Holding you close. Asking “why?”, the purpose in all this? even if we aren’t suppose to question—but I do.
April 26, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I have no doubt you will meet this challenge with courage and boldness. You have made such an impact on us older athletes and encouraged us to continue even when we feel all the aches and pains of aging, we should never give up. Neither should you. Fight the good fight, keep encouraging others and trust the Lord to number your days. He is in control. I will add you to my morning prayer list. Be strong and of good courage Ray!
April 26, 2023
Dearest Ray: Devastated to learn confirmation of your ALS diagnosis, but so uplifted by your courage and willingness to share your journey to so many who have come to know, admire and love you. Continue to fight the good fight! Vicki
April 26, 2023
Love you Uncle Ray!!! We are here to fight the fight with you. 💕
April 26, 2023
Praying for you Ray, and for your family. Believe in miracles.
April 26, 2023
A gutsy and inspiring piece, Ray. Few sportswriters, if any, have ever written a better column. Thank you for your courage. As you know, I’m in your corner and hope to see you soon.
April 26, 2023
Hey Warrior Ray, After reading how you are facing this horrible diagnosis with so much strength and grace, I say with certainty you already have far more courage than me. Still, I would be honored to share mine with you however I can. I am thinking of you often, and praying for the best. Fight on, my man.
April 24, 2023
Ray, I’m so sorry to hear this. I know you do have a lot to live for, and send you extra doses of courage and strength. The stories you’ve shared and the way you’ve shared them mean so much to this community and I know they always give our Growing Bolder staff the affirmation of what we know to be true. Life throws us all great challenges and we keep fighting. May those stories inspire you. I know what is within you is greater than what lies before you. Supporting your fight forward each and every day.
April 24, 2023
Ray, We love you and will support you in every way we can to live life to the fullest. Toughness and resilience run deep in your soul. The goodness you have spread throughout your life will surely radiate back to you through the love of your family and friends.
April 24, 2023
Ray, I still recall you as a pesky left-handed hitter when we were both in our first year (1965) of Fairfax LL. I have no doubt that you will give ALS high-quality at bats, with no cheap outs.
April 23, 2023
We should all possess such wisdom in the face of our aging tragedies. You ARE a warrior! Fight strong, fight hard. We are all here to support you and give you our strength, through the navigation of this journey.
April 23, 2023
As I read your Geezer Jock story, I remembered someone saying, “It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.” We believe that you will meet this disease with courage and determination. I can hear you say to get the hell out of my way! I have things to do, and you will succeed. We are with you, Ray, thinking of you, caring about you, and wishing you strength and peace as you embrace the struggle with ALS. You are a warrior. Hugs from your family.
April 23, 2023
I am sorry to hear this Ray, but you have that Warrior in you and you will fight the good fight!! You are an inspiration! Many positive thoughts sent your way.
April 23, 2023
I am really sorry to read this news, Ray. You write with great empathy and humanity. Yes, everything you say rings painfully and also beautifully true. Thank you for sharing and for reaching out. It’s a privilege to be one of the many sending love and support to you, in my case from across the pond. We are with you and alongside you and rooting for you.
April 23, 2023
Ray, I have greatly enjoyed talking to you and all of your wonderful stories. I’m the oldest of 10 so I feel a special bond there. Praying for you and your family and friends. Will keep you in my daily prayers.
April 23, 2023
Warrior Ray, a fan of your work and of the community you have built. Stay strong and positive.
April 23, 2023
Dear Ray,
That is devastating news, but your attitude is fantastic. You have shown incredible courage in reaching out to the GeezerJock community. You have given so much to all of us and now it’s our turn to give our support and encouragement to you. Rest assured you will be in my prayers asking that you receive the strength needed to endure.
Best wishes, Jim
April 23, 2023
Ray, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. As you know, your church community will be beside you and for you throughout this struggle. Keep the faith, hope and love around you.
April 23, 2023
Oh Ray such tough news. I just can’t imagine how you feel. Your family sounds like a wonderful support and safety net. Athletes are tough people. Channel your inner jock and let the warrior loose!
April 23, 2023
hello there warrior ray . . . when i first came across you early in my career at the atlanta journal you were the first person i’d met who actually had the guts it takes to make a living exclusively freelancing . . . anybody who can do that for that long surely has more in the tank to fight als . . . your village is large and strong . . .
April 23, 2023
Thank you, Ray, for this courageous post. It’s great to be reading you again, though I hate the circumstance. May you continue to shine a light for us all and may you derive strength and comfort from this community.
April 22, 2023
Dearest Warrior Ray, Pam and I are heartbroken and stunned by this diagnosis. We remember you’re saying you were having speech problems back in Kentucky, but didn’t think of this. Your attitude toward this is more courageous than any of the wonderful stories you’ve written about any of the rest of us Geezers. We love you and would be privileged to support you in any way we can. Elmo & Pam
April 22, 2023
Ray, I am so saddened by the news of your ALS diagnosis. I know that all your readers and friends wish you the best and will be pulling for you as you go through treatment for this dreadful disease.
You are a man of courage and strength. Please make your healthcare your number one priority.
Should you later have time and energy to devote to the highly respected Geezer Jock Newsletter, your many subscribers and followers will benefit from your wisdom as they have in the past.
With respect, love, and all good wishes,
Roger
April 22, 2023
I just met you and am so impressed with your insightful writing. I thank you for writing about me and am so sorry you have to go through this difficult situation. I am hoping you are with us for many more years as you are a contributor of important news and insights. All the best Norma
April 22, 2023
Ray,
That is beautifully thought out and eloquently expressed. This writing is already a witness to your courage. I believe it wil stay, and become guidance for others. May God bless your fight, just as you have blessed others through your work.
April 22, 2023
Warrior Ray, you need to channel your inner Ripken keep showing up. Don’t let your guard down lean into your support team they will keep you going forward. Sending you lots of love and prayers. Just do what Derrick Moore says fight until you can’t fight anymore then lay down and rest and then get back up and do it again.April 22, 2023
Ray, fight as hard as you can and as long as you can. You have the right attitude. The only people I ever feel sorry for are the 18 and 19 old young men killed in combat serving their country.They had so little time to enoy life and made such the ultimate sacrifice so others may live free.
April 22, 2023
Ray, bummer! There’s no easy way to deal with diagnosis’s like what you’re facing. My dad had a saying when dealing with his own diagnosis. It was simply “don’t let the disease in!” He refused to allow his disease to define him in any way. He studied and read anything and everything there was to read about his disease. His doctors told me that he knew more about the disease than all of them combined! His health became his full time job.
Dad was told at the age of 52 he would be lucky to live 5 more years. He lived in the moment for 30 more years never allowing the disease to define or limit his ability to remain positive and to live his best life.
I’m pulling for you brother!
Clint
April 22, 2023
What a gut punch. I am so sad about this. I have no words to offer, just respect and love.
April 22, 2023
Ray,
I can totally understand where you’re coming from. I too was recently diagnosed with an incurable condition which seriously affects my recreational sports activities but, like you, I refuse to allow it to stop me from doing the things I enjoy!!
April 22, 2023
So inspiring!!! You’re a role model for every one!! Thanks much for sharing your story!
April 22, 2023
Beautiful article. I am married to a man like you who never complains, never quits. Be strong!
April 22, 2023
God Bless prayers for you!
April 22, 2023
Ray,
I’ve been whining to anyone who will listen lately about my aching knee. You elegantly put that into perspective for me — and surely for many other geezers.
We’re behind you. Stay strong. Keep the faith. And thanks for all your hard work and beautiful words.
John
April 22, 2023
You are a great storyteller and inspiration to many an old guy. Keep it up! Stay strong because God’s got this. I will keep you and your family in our prayers.
April 22, 2023
Dear geezer jock, you are a mighty warrior and lots of us want to join this fight with you. Loved your comments. They are words of a courageous and hopeful man. Will stay in touch.
April 22, 2023
Hey Warrior Ray. You’ve got this. Sending love.
April 22, 2023
Oh Ray,
I so admire your eloquence, wisdom and courage in the face of such a tough adversary.
Wishing you deepest healing and highest good as you navigate this journey. And, thank you for all you do keep the masters athlete community informed and inspired by the stories you share. And now, your own.
April 22, 2023
Ray, man. We are pulling for you, we are praying for you, and we are hoping for you.
April 22, 2023
Dear Ray,
I am so sorry to learn about your diagnosis. There is so much in this world that is unfair, yet we are given one another to care for. From one 66-year-old Geezer Jock to another, I wish you luck on this journey. A childhood friend of mine (who has lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis since we were 17) says we must live just one day at a time, and squeeze it hard to make it yield to us all the joy it contains.
April 22, 2023
Ray, prayers and courage coming your way. Please keep writing as this is an amazing community you have helped create. Peace brother, Steve
April 22, 2023
I am so sorry to read this, Ray. You are such an inspiration to all of us and you make the world a better place.
April 22, 2023
Sending good thoughts to you and your family. Life throws us so many curve balls that I have learned at age 65 to live in the moment and not plan anything other than a vacation. I find myself happier as a result.
April 22, 2023
I am with YOU, Warrior Ray! Well done. I know you will fight the good fight.
April 22, 2023
This sucks. We’re by your side. XOXO
April 22, 2023
Please let me know how I can help. You are a great source of positive energy for the chronologically challenged.
Sincerely, Karl
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June 03, 2023 5 min read 11 Comments
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Amy Larder
May 11, 2023
My husband who had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease for 2 years at the age of 63 had all his symptoms reversed with Ayurveda medicine from natural herbs centre after undergoing their ALS/MND natural protocol. God Bless all Lou Gehrig’s disease Caregivers. Stay Strong, take small moments throughout the day to thank yourself, to love your self, and pray to whatever faith, star, spiritual force you believe in and ask for strength. I can personally vouch for these remedy but you would probably need to decide what works best for you.