Sandra's Story: An Artist Living with ALS
Summary
TLDRSandra Murphy, a lifelong artist and performer, was diagnosed with ALS in 2013 at the age of 49. The disease, which affects motor nerve cells, gradually robbed her of her physical abilities, leading to dependence on a ventilator and feeding tube by 2016. Despite her physical limitations, Sandra's creativity thrived as she adapted her painting technique, choreographing her art through footwork and the assistance of a friend. Her paintings reflect the progression of her ALS and her enduring spirit, showcasing a remarkable resilience and the freedom she finds in her art despite the lack of a cure.
Takeaways
- đš Sandra Murphy Pack is an artist and performer who has recently taken up footwork painting.
- âł She first noticed symptoms of ALS in 2013 at the age of 49, experiencing difficulty raising her left arm.
- đ„ Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe, debilitating disease that affects motor nerve cells, leading to a gradual loss of function.
- đ€Č By 2016, Sandra had lost the use of both her arms and hands and became dependent on a ventilator and feeding tube.
- đ Despite her physical limitations, Sandra's creativity and spirit remained strong, as she continued to create art.
- đŁ Sandra's painting process involves instructing a friend, Sarah, on where to place her foot to apply paint, symbolizing a unique form of choreography.
- đŒ The paintings reflect the progression of Sandra's ALS, with each piece capturing a moment in her physical ability.
- đ Her art represents a form of freedom and expression that transcends the confinements of her disease.
- đ©ââïž Dr. Oscarson, an expert on ALS, emphasizes the importance of research for finding a cure, though there is currently no treatment available.
- đ Sandra's story is one of resilience and positivity, as she continues to find joy and meaning in her art despite the challenges of ALS.
Q & A
What is Sandra Murphy's profession?
-Sandra Murphy is an artist and performer.
When did Sandra Murphy first notice her symptoms of ALS?
-Sandra Murphy first noticed her symptoms of ALS in 2013.
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a severe, debilitating disease that affects motor nerve cells, leading to a gradual loss of different functions and increasing dependence on others for help.
How did Sandra Murphy adapt to her physical limitations due to ALS?
-Despite losing the use of her arms and hands, Sandra Murphy adapted by instructing her friend Sarah on what paint to use and where to place her foot, effectively becoming the choreographer of her own artistic expression.
What does the term 'footwork' refer to in the context of Sandra's art?
-In the context of Sandra's art, 'footwork' refers to the method she uses to create paintings by instructing someone else on where to place their foot to apply paint, as she is unable to use her hands.
How does Sandra's art reflect the progression of her ALS?
-Sandra's paintings reflect the progression of her ALS in that they are ever-changing, mirroring her physical abilities as the disease progresses.
What is the current state of Sandra's ALS in terms of treatment?
-There is no cure for ALS, and Sandra is dependent on a ventilator to help her breathe and a feeding tube for nutrition. Treatment can help control the symptoms, but it does not halt the disease's progression.
How does Sandra feel about her art despite her condition?
-Sandra feels a sense of freedom through her art, stating that it allows her to not be confined by her disease.
What is the role of research in the context of ALS?
-Research is key in the context of ALS, as it is currently the only way to potentially find a cure or more effective treatments for the disease.
What is Sandra's attitude towards her challenges with ALS?
-Sandra is described as an amazing person who, despite her challenges, can still see the silver lining and make the most out of her living.
Who is Dr. Oscarson and what does he say about ALS?
-Dr. Oscarson is a doctor mentioned in the script who states that there is no cure for ALS and emphasizes the importance of research.
Outlines
đš Artistic Resilience Amidst ALS
Sandra Murphy Pack, an artist and performer, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2013. Despite the disease's progressive nature, which led to the loss of use of her limbs and dependence on a ventilator and feeding tube, Sandra's creativity persisted. She adapted her art-making process, becoming a choreographer of sorts, directing her friend Sarah to apply paint according to her instructions. Her paintings evolved with her physical abilities, reflecting the progression of her ALS. Sandra's story is one of artistic resilience and the power of creativity to transcend physical limitations. Doctor Oscarson from the Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of research for finding a cure, though currently, treatments only help manage symptoms. Sandra's positive outlook and contribution to research are highlighted, showing her determination to make the most out of her situation.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄFootwork
đĄAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
đĄDebilitating
đĄVentilator
đĄFeeding Tube
đĄChoreographer
đĄProgression
đĄIndependence
đĄCreativity
đĄFreedom
đĄTreatment
đĄResearch
Highlights
Sandra Murphy Pack is an artist and performer who has recently taken up footwork.
In 2013, Sandra, an active mother of three, first noticed symptoms of ALS at the age of 49.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe, debilitating disease affecting motor nerve cells.
ALS causes a gradual loss of functions, leading to increased dependence on others.
By 2016, Sandra had lost the use of both her arms and hands and became dependent on a ventilator and feeding tube.
Despite her physical limitations, Sandra's creativity remained strong, adapting her art to her condition.
Sandra instructs her friend Sarah on how to apply paint to create her artistic vision.
The paintings reflect the progression of Sandra's ALS and her changing physical abilities.
Sandra's art provides her with a sense of freedom despite her confinement to round-the-clock care.
There is currently no cure for ALS, and research is crucial for finding treatments.
Dr. Oscarson emphasizes the importance of research for the future of ALS treatment.
Sandra is a willing participant in research, hoping to contribute to future treatments.
Sandra's positive attitude and ability to find the silver lining in her situation are inspiring.
Vivien Williams reports on Sandra's story for the Mayo Clinic News Network.
Transcripts
Sandra Murphy pack has been an artist
and performer her whole life but this
footwork is new it was in 2013 that
Sandra an active mother of three first
noticed her symptoms she was 49 and
began to have trouble raising her left
arm
Sandra's diagnosis amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis commonly called ALS so als is
a deadly or at least severe debilitating
disease that affects the molder nerve
cells so it's a gradual loss of
different functions that raw people of
their independence people become more
and more dependent on others for help
over time Sandra lost the use of both
her arms and hands by 2016 Sandra was
dependent on a ventilator to help her
breathe and a feeding tube for nutrition
despite the disease's attack on her body
Sandra's creativity never waned she
adapted it's like a dance but Sandra is
the choreographer now instructing her
friend Sarah on what paint she wants and
where to place her foot to bring her
vision to life the paintings also
reflect the progression of Sandra's als
if they're ever changing
with the chasers it's my physical
ability though she requires
round-the-clock care Sandra says thanks
to her art she is not confined by her
disease there's a lot of freedom but you
don't have a while treatment can help
control the symptoms of ALS doctor
Oscarson says there is no cure research
he says is key and though she may not be
the beneficiary Sandra is a willing
participant Sandra is an amazing person
she is certainly challenged in so many
ways and can still see the silver lining
and make a lot out of her living for the
Mayo Clinic News Network I'm Vivien
Williams
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