My friend Oreo: Defying ALS with Resilience
David DuBois has ALS, but ALS doesn’t have David.
In May 2024, I surprised David with a visit. To make the occasion special, I crafted a round-shaped card to match an Oreo cap I had bought as a gift. You might wonder, why Oreo? Is it something David loves? I don’t know if David loves Oreos, but I do know that I love David. I gave him the nickname "Oreo" after witnessing his resilience during a sticky situation several years ago. It's that same resilience I see him living with today as he battles ALS.
So let me tell you the story…
Several years ago, David and Laura returned to Hawaii to participate in a military ceremony honoring their daughter. David, who was to participate in the ceremony, had to wear his military uniform, which he hadn’t worn in years. I remember his delight at finding that the uniform still fit and how handsome he looked in it. Here’s a photo of us from that day. I LOVE David's smile in this photo because if you knew what was happening behind the scenes, you might wonder how he could be smiling so big!
On that day, David’s uniform fit perfectly, but his shoes, unused for years, started to fall apart. With each step, David left a trail of black rubber pieces that resembled cookie crumbs. We had just arrived at the ceremony when David noticed this, and there was no time to change. His shoes were disintegrating, leaving a pile of crumbs beneath his seat and making him shorter with every step.
Some people might have panicked or sat in a corner to avoid the embarrassment of crumbling shoes. But not David. He kept a positive attitude, smiling and laughing, and didn’t let anything keep him from being fully present to honor his daughter that day. I don’t think a single person noticed the HUGE pile of crumbs beneath his feet!
David’s ability to handle unexpected challenges with grace and humor is a testament to his character. It's this same resilience that he brings to his fight against ALS, proving that while he may have ALS, ALS certainly doesn’t have him.
Not long ago, something unexpected happened to David. It began with his face, then affected his speech, and eventually his arm. Just like the soles of his shoes crumbling, David's body started to break down. After several doctor visits, David was diagnosed with ALS.
An ALS diagnosis hasn’t stopped David from being himself. He continues to make a difference by finding ways to help others. He has hosted multiple fundraisers and writes a blog where he educates readers about living with ALS. You can subscribe and check out his blog, David’s ALS Journey.
What’s truly amazing about his blog is how he adapts to the progression of ALS. When he started, he typed with his hands. As the disease progressed, he switched to using one finger, and now he writes using eye-tracking technology on an iPad. It’s truly remarkable. Knowing the effort he puts into writing makes me appreciate his blog posts even more.
Below is a photo of David and me when I surprised him. He is communicating with me through his iPad, which is why his eyes are looking up. We talked, prayed, and once again, I was in awe of David’s resilience, faith, and positive spirit.
David asked me, “Is it hard for you to visit me and see me like this?”
I told him that while his appearance may have changed, his heart, humor, and positive spirit remained unchanged. These were the qualities I loved about David before ALS, and nothing had changed. I loved spending time with him! Many of the qualities I admire about David were shining even brighter than before.
In true David fashion, he thanked me for the hat but joked that it had one problem—it was leaving crumbs on his head!
From that day many years ago to today, whenever I see Oreos, I think of David. I think of his humor and resilience, and I remember to pray for him and his family.
The DuBois family bravely lives each day with grace and gratitude, humbly seeking God for wisdom and strength. They never stop looking for opportunities to be a light and make a difference. I am so grateful to know them. I hope by sharing the story of my friend Oreo, you’ll be encouraged to live with joy and gratitude, not letting unexpected challenges get you down.
Thank you to my sweet friend David for the example you set by the bright and beautiful light you are in this world. My love and prayers for you continue.
With Love and Blessings,
Cindy
