Kurt’s ALS symptoms began in 2020 amidst the sea of stress due to the ongoing uncertainties of Covid and other personal stressors. Initially, doctors believed his symptoms to be stress-related; however, a bad fall in the shower resulting in several broken ribs triggered the “ALS” warning. Kurt received his official diagnosis on February 24, 2021.
Kurt was honest, kind, supportive, candid, hilarious, and always provided lots of laughs and thoughtful conversations – even until the end. Kurt was an amazing force in this world and his goal was always to improve the lives of others through his work in higher education. He succeeded in so many ways both professionally and personally. I met Kurt in 2006 when we were colleagues, and over time, our professional relationship blossomed into a deep and lasting friendship.
As the years passed, our bond grew stronger, rooted in mutual respect and shared experiences. When Kurt was diagnosed with ALS, our friendship took on an even deeper significance. In the last seven months of his life, I had the honor and privilege of being his primary caregiver. This role allowed me to witness the profound transformation he underwent as he embraced a new level of vulnerability—one that was authentic, raw, and powerful. It was a blessing to walk alongside him in this journey, offering care while marveling at his strength.
Caregiving is hard, and so is living with ALS. Together, Kurt and I faced the challenges of the disease head-on, finding ways to maintain his safety and well-being as ALS progressed. He could be a stubborn patient at times, determined to hold on to his independence for as long as possible. But in those moments, I remained patient and supportive, always focused on what he needed. I learned to care for him in every way a person living with ALS requires, from the physical demands of daily care to the emotional weight of watching a friend face a terminal illness. It wasn’t easy, but through love, humility, and friendship, we built a caregiving partnership that brought us closer than ever before.
What stood out the most during those months was Kurt’s trust in me. In allowing me to care for him in his most vulnerable moments, he showed a level of trust and openness that I will always cherish. Our friendship became one of true authentic vulnerability, where both of us laid aside any pretense and simply focused on what mattered most: being there for each other. Through the challenges of ALS, we forged a bond that transcended the caregiver-patient dynamic. Kurt’s bravery in embracing his vulnerability, and my privilege in being there to care for him, created a connection that went beyond friendship, leaving an impact on my life forever. Kurt passed on October 21, 2023.