This month, we honor some of our many dedicated volunteers. Today, we’re learning more about Peggy Plews-Ogan. Peggy got involved with I AM ALS and ALS advocacy work after her husband Jim was diagnosed with the disease (she’s now a board member!). She shares here what her work with I AM ALS has given to her and her family.
How has volunteering with I AM ALS changed your life or the life of your family?
I AM ALS gave us an effective way of channeling our energies toward making the world a better place in the wake of our personal disaster. When disaster befalls an individual, one thing they hope for is: if things cannot be better for us, how can we make it better for those who follow us? I AM ALS has made a HUGE difference in a very short time and, in a landscape where change usually happens at a glacial pace, I AM ALS made change happen overnight. There was energy and passion and impatience that matched ours. So, we were “in” from the moment we discovered I AM ALS.
What would you tell others who are facing similar circumstances about what they could gain by volunteering with I AM ALS?
In my experience there is nothing worse than feeling like a victim, feeling powerless to change anything. ALS is a powerful adversary. It claims so much so quickly. I AM ALS confirmed my belief that we are not powerless, no matter what our circumstance. We can make a difference by the choices we make every step of the way in our journeys through life. I AM ALS was a good choice. It empowered us. It amplified our voice. It gave us a way to make a difference.
Any other words of advice you’d like to share?
You have a voice. You make a difference. No matter the obstacles, in fact because of those obstacles, your voice matters so very much. stay in the game. Do what you can, because so many of us are honored by your engagement. We know what it means, and how much it costs. And we never, ever, take that for granted.