als - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-28T09:30:59Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/alsObituary: Bill (William John) Shannonhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/obituary-bill-william-john-shannon2014-12-03T17:11:26.000Z2014-12-03T17:11:26.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960541452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960541452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7960541452?profile=original" /></a> GULF STREAM — Bill (William John) Shannon died peacefully Nov. 9 after a long battle with ALS.<br /> Bill truly loved life with all of its highs and lows and always with a quick joke and a full heart.<br /> Born on May 26, 1965, in Montreal, Canada, to his beloved parents, the late Bill and Joan (Kersgaard), he was No. 7 of the Shannon 12. <br /> Bill Shannon will be remembered for his love of a challenge, the spark in his eye, his laugh, a generosity that knew no bounds and his incredible spirit. He touched many lives and taught us to live life fully and appreciatively. He will be truly missed.<br /> He leaves behind his wife Anna (Kyrtatas) and their five boys, William, Christopher, Nicholas, Charlie and Finn, whom he loved fiercely and enjoyed immensely. His spirit is carried on by his brothers and sisters: Deborah (Robert Trudeau), Mike (Janet Cameron), Donna (Alec Paterson), Gary (Kim Holden), Dan (Isabelle Depelteau) Suzanne (Eric Blais), Jimmy (Maude Leblond), Mark, John (Melissa Wreford) Joanne (Bobby Julien) and Judy, as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews and countless friends. <br /> A visitation was held Nov. 12 at Lorne & Sons Funeral Home with the funeral held at Gulf Stream School Chapel on Nov. 13. <br /> In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local ALS chapter, Team Gleason (<a href="http://www.teamgleason.org">www.teamgleason.org</a>) or Hospice of Palm Beach County.<br /> The family thanks everyone for their love, care and kind support.<br /><em>— Contributed by the family</em><br /> </p></div>Editor's Note: Defeating ALS is a cause we can all supporthttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/editor-s-note-defeating-als-is-a-cause-we-can-all-support2013-04-03T19:42:53.000Z2013-04-03T19:42:53.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p> Most adults have heard of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year, according to the ALS Association. The incidence of ALS is two per 100,000 people, and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time.<br /> With no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries, ALS can strike anyone. So, it’s not unlikely that many of us know or have known someone debilitated by this progressive neurodegenerative disease. Sadly, the end result is death — usually at a premature age, and usually within two to five years.<br /> If you were diagnosed with this disease, how would you choose to live the remainder of your life? That is the theme of the new book <em>Until I Say Goodbye, My Year of Living with Joy</em>, by local journalist and writer Susan Spencer-Wendel. It is a heartfelt look at accepting the inevitable through the unwavering (and often humorous) gaze of a consummate journalist.<br /> The book is beautifully written — with her last functioning digit, her thumb. Buy it. This is not a sad and depressing book. It is the archetypal hero’s journey intertwined with a passionate love song for her children. This is what explains its rise to No. 3 (at press time) on the New York Times bestseller list and has sold Hollywood on its film potential. It is a testament to Susan’s talent and her capacity for love.<br /> I worked with Susan for many years at The Palm Beach Post, but it wasn’t until last year when I joined a fledgling writing group that I began to really appreciate her sharp wit and intellect and to see firsthand the depth of her love for her three beautiful children. <br /> I don’t know that I will ever finish my novel, but her advice and suggestions will follow my writing wherever it does go. I am grateful to have been a part of this small group nestled beneath her chickee hut, reading and laughing — and sometimes crying — all of us struggling to put our passions and experiences into words. <br /> On March 23, Susan — with family, friends and colleagues — participated in the Walk to Defeat ALS in Jupiter. More than 700 people came out on a bright, warm morning. ALS had touched each team of walkers, so they came in support and memory of dancers and insurance agents, carpenters and business owners, financial planners and surgeons. But even with this support, the ALS Association Florida Chapter fell short of its $200,000 goal.<br /> That seems like such an insignificant amount, somehow. It is with this knowledge that I ask you to consider making a contribution toward finding a cure for ALS. If not for our generation, then for the next — and for their much-loved children. <br /> <em> Send checks to: Walk to Defeat ALS, 3242 Parkside Center Circle, Tampa, FL 33019.</em><br /><em> Questions? Call 888-257-1717 or email Tiffany Geiger at tgeiger@alsafl.org.</em><br /><strong>—Mary Kate Leming, Executive Editor</strong></p></div>