Blog | ALSWomenWarriors.com

My ALS

Journey

Welcome to this space—a candid and heartfelt chronicle of life lived fully despite a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This blog is an unfiltered look into my personal journey, sharing the reality of navigating the challenges of ALS—often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease—one day, one breath, and one victory at a time. Here, you'll find posts that cover the full spectrum of this experience:

Daily Adaptations: Practical insights into assistive technology, managing physical changes, and making adjustments to daily routines.
Emotional Landscape: Honest reflections on resilience, grief, hope, and finding strength in vulnerability.
Small Triumphs: Celebrating the moments of joy, connection, and purpose that continue to define life.
Community and Support: The critical role of family, friends, and the broader ALS community.

My aim is not just to document a battle, but to foster connection, raise awareness, and offer encouragement to others facing similar paths. Thank you for walking this journey with me.

When a Mom with ALS Becomes the One Needing Care: Redefining Motherhood After Diagnosis

There are moments in life that divide time into before and after . My diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) was one of them. Before, I was the room mom at school. I went on all the field trips. I remembered who needed new shoes because the old ones were worn out or outgrown. I asked about homework and made sure everyone else was okay. Though their dad helped, I was the primary caregiver — the steady one, the center of gravity. Or as my oldest son points out, “I wo

Bhumi Pathak

Mar 63 min read

My ALS Journey

December 11, 2024, is a date forever etched in my memory — the day I received my diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a devastating nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, ultimately robbing people of their ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. There is no cure for this fatal disease. When I first heard the words, they didn’t fully register. Even now, I struggle to accept this fate. My mind raced: Why me? What wi

Akash Pathak

Feb 62 min read

Friends and Family12/15/2025

Once my diagnosis became more certain, we faced the painful task of letting people know. First, I want to say how deeply grateful I am for the love and support I’ve received from friends and family. I truly could not survive without my husband and my mom—I am indebted to both for everything they do, day in and day out. And of course, my babies—Shiv and Kesh—who I live for. Also, all the friends that have reached out to see how I am doing and show support. That being said, n

Akash Pathak

Feb 61 min read

When I Got ALS, My Job Disappeared TooManaging your workplace and your ALS diagnosis1/17/26

On the day I was diagnosed with ALS, a letter from my employer arrived in the mail. It wasn’t a card. It wasn’t an offer of support. It was a notice from Human Resources informing me that I was “at risk” of losing my job. I had worked for a multibillion-dollar pharmaceutical company for five years. I’d been promoted twice. My performance reviews were excellent. I believed I worked for a company that valued people—especially one that constantly touted its mission to “serve p

Akash Pathak

Feb 63 min read