Air Force Veteran With ALS & His Wife Set Off On Bucket List Cross-Country Road Trip

A United States Air Force veteran was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, back in 2015.

ALS, which worsens over time, is a nervous system disease that weakens muscles and negatively impacts physical function and ability to communicate.

When Juan Reyes first learned of his diagnosis, he feared the worst. He began mourning the life he always wanted to have, thinking that it wouldn’t happen now.

But despite the disease, Reyes refused to let it slow him down or prevent him from living out his dreams.

After attending support groups and testing out a new drug, Reyes felt like he was ready to set out on an adventure.

Reyes and his wife, Meg, purchased a wheelchair-friendly RV and began a cross country road trip, where he could check off things on his bucket list while raising awareness for ALS.

Reyes shares his journey on ShareYourALSStory.com, where he has been able to connect with hundreds of other patients like him. He even tries to meet as many of them in person as he travels across the country.

During their meetings with patients, Meg helps their caregivers by giving them ways to help their loved ones. At the same time, Reyes speaks with patients and shares his stories with hope that he will inspire them to stay positive, despite their diagnosis.

“As difficult as it is to remain positive, I chose to live my life to the fullest because the alternative is simply unacceptable,” Reyes told KSAT.

Hear more of his inspiring story in the video below: