| David Wilson Continues To Give While Battling ALS |
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 Bethany Johnson Preston with her two daughters, Brayden and Kadence; and son, Trevor.
David’s disease started with gait problems during his daily run. At first he struggled with a foot that would not flex then as time when on, his knee would buckle halfway through his run. After being diagnosed with pinched nerves in his lumbar, he had steroid shots and eventually surgery to his back in early 2007. However, the weakness progressed. He began having the same trouble with his other leg. He progressed from using a cane to a wheelchair as falls became an everyday occurrence.
Doctors at universities in our area failed to find a diagnosis. David along with Sharon and his brother-in-law who flew to Johns Hopkins in 2008. The specialists there narrowed the condition down to three motor neuron diseases and referred him to follow up at Wake Forest.
In the fall of 2008, the Wake Forest specialist gave David and his family the diagnosis. By this time, David was also losing function of his right arm. David had ALS and treatment options are minimal. David had to not only face this diagnosis himself but he had to break the news to his family and friends.
David has a love of music and as time when on, ALS robbed him of the use of his arms and hands. He played his last gig with his brother in 2009. This was a huge loss for David, but even today with the use of a computer and a laser mouse taped to his lip, he still creates music. David says that even though Facebook can be absurd, it offers him a blessing socially. David lives with a vent trachea and requires constant nurse care. He talks to his kids through text messages. He says he misses hugs, sports, eating solid food, and independent living. But his goal is to teach his girls that life is beautiful when you share it with others.
David Wilson is a fighter. This disease has taken just about all it can physically from him. He says that the hardest is seeing the look in the eyes of the ones he loves and see the toll it has taken on them. David brags that he has the most incredible wife, family and friends. He also says that his girls give him the support and motivation.
2008 was a harsh year with real estate business falling quick. David lived on 100% commission since the early 90’s. Times were tough and even with Social Security Disability started, money was dire. David rejected offers for fund raisers based solely on pride. It was so hard to accept that he needed help. Finally, thanks to the encouragement of his friends and family he agreed to an event. He had one request, make it a party not a wake!
The first annual David Wilson Rollin’ and Rockin’ Fund Raiser became a reality. The event included several bands, a golf tournament, and a silent auction. Friends came from as far as Texas and Massachusetts and from all over our community. The party was an example of what people can do when working together. David and his family were blessed with a financial life raft.
David reflects that pride is a sin, and that from the words of Galatians in the Holy Bible, “bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.” David feels that it means to accept gifts of love and compassion with thankfulness. And he also believes it means to pass it on. Four years later, the Rollin’ and Rockin’ fund raiser is still going strong each fall, but not just to help defray to costs of living with ALS for the Wilsons, but to share as much with others who are having difficulties. David has selected individuals in our community who have difficulties due to disabilities, cancer, and other health afflictions. He wants to help others who may also be having a rough time financially due to these unexpected hardships.
David once again is passing the gift. This year, David would like to help the children of a dear friend. Bethany Johnson Preston. Bethany was a nurse to David when he was adjusting to a tracheotomy and 24 hour nurse care. Mrs. Preston became more than an nurse to David and Sharon. She became their dear friend. She helped them through this life change with professionalism and spunk. She gave David the care he needed while also giving him the respect and as much normalcy as possible. She was fun and energetic, and made her time caring for David a pleasure.
Bethany was only 31 when Cervical cancer cut her life short this past May. Leaving behind her husband, John and three small beautiful children - two daughters, Brayden, and Kadence; and son, Trevor. David’s hopes for this year’s fund raiser is to celebrate Bethany’s life and raise money for her children’s college fund. So as the community comes together to again support David and his battle with ALS, they will also be helping the future of these three precious children.
David is proving even in the most difficult of circumstances that we can be a blessing to others. He has found a way to pass the gift that he is blessed with by his friends and community. This event is growing each year and helping more and more. We all can learn from David about how to care and reach out to one another.
The David Wilson Rollin’ & Rockin’ Fund raiser 2013 is fast approaching. This year the event will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013. The location is Cleveland Country Club in Shelby, NC. You can find out more information on their facebook page - David Wilson ALS “Pass The Gift” Fundraiser 2013 as well. The event will include a golf tournament, live music, raffle, silent auction, food and fun for all! For more information see ad on page 5.
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