An ALS diagnosis is never one that you are prepared to accept. Unfortunately, last May, this is the exact challenge our family faced. After dozens of tests, multiple opinions, and no real improvement, my mom was diagnosed with ALS. We needed to prepare for the reality of what was to come, both practically and emotionally. We talked, we investigated, we read, and we rallied around my mom to ensure she was surrounded by the same love and support that she had always unconditionally offered us. We quickly realized that we were not the only ones.
Neighbors, friends, colleagues – an entire community of people who knew my mom did the same. Within weeks, the tasks that had fallen in priority since the diagnosis were all still being tended to. The lawn was mowed, the fridge was full, the house was cleaned, the laundry was folded, and our house was filled with the type of warmth that only friends and fond memories can bring. The outpouring of support stands as a testament to the person my mom is; not only to our family, but to so many she has touched along the way. We are so incredibly thankful to our community for all they do. With each and every act of service offered with a loving smile, they bring a smile to my mom's face and touch all of us to the core.
One of my mom's close friends, Beth Sblendorio, is a nurse who has spent countless hours at our house loving and caring for my mom. She is even a part of the dedicated rotation who spend the night caring for my mom, allowing my dad (who has been working tirelessly for my mom) to catch up on his own rest at night. It’s utterly amazing to see Beth and others drop everything to be here for my mom and our family.
If all of her time and love wasn't enough, Beth keeps pushing, looking for more ways to rally our community to support fundraising efforts for desperately needed ALS research. In the coming months she will be racing in the Livermore Half Marathon and the Boston Marathon as a tribute to my mom and in an effort to raise awareness and funds to fight ALS. I look forward to supporting Beth and all the others who donate to the cause!
- Stephen Piscotty (Gretchen's eldest son)
Donate to support Beth Sblendorio as she runs the Boston Marathon and the Livermore half marathon in honor of her friend Gretchen
I first met Gretchen when our eldest sons were in class together in elementary school. We had an immediate connection as we both had three boys of similar ages. Gretchen was the parent volunteer in charge of the school’s Wednesday ice cream sales, and she lovingly recruited me to assist her! It was a perfect fit for me, as I could bring my younger daughter along to “help” us. Then we all would head off to the park to allow the boys to burn off some energy before heading out to their organized sports practices and homework. During this time Gretchen and I developed a friendship, exchanging parenting ideas, and more. Mike also coached three of our boys’ baseball teams, allowing us moms to become closer during those many days at the ballpark.
As the kids have grown up, despite attending different schools and living in different cities, our families have kept in touch. When Gretchen began working at Foothill High School, I would reach out to her and let her know we would be there for our daughter’s soccer or basketball game. She always came and cheered her on. Ironically, as I was planning our daughter’s graduation party and making her memory collage, I found a picture of her and Gretchen from our ice cream days at Almond Ave. I shared this memory with her, coincidentally, at the time of her diagnosis with ALS.
When her diagnosis became public, our family wanted Gretchen, Mike and the boys to know whatever they needed, we would be here to support and help in any way we could. In August 2017, Gretchen reached out to me and asked if I could help with the monthly infusions she would be receiving. As a nurse, I felt very comfortable in this role, and of course I immediately said yes! I shared with Gretchen how honored I am to be a member of TEAM GRETCHEN!
I have witnessed Gretchen’s amazing strength and courage as she has faced this all-consuming disease – and always with a smile on her face. I also have seen the beautiful love between Mike and Gretchen. Mike’s never-ending fight to provide the best care and treatment for Gretchen is incredible. He is truly a role model to their sons on how to be a loving and dedicated husband.
Through these difficult months, it has become apparent to me that so much more must be done to raise awareness of ALS. And with increased funding, there is hope of developing new treatments and -- one day -- a cure. Since one of my passions is running and racing, I thought, “What better way to get the word out? I will dedicate my races to TEAM GRETCHEN and raise money for ALS!” I and several members of my running group will be participating in the Livermore Half Marathon on March 4th and the Boston Marathon on April 16th to raise money for ALS in honor of my dear friend, Gretchen.
– Beth Sblendorio