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Living with ALS

When he was first diagnosed with ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease — on Dec. 6, 2010, Bruce Kramer was dean of the School of Education at the University of St. Thomas. He shared his journey with the incurable disease from time to time with MPR News Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer.

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Songwriter finds inspiration in MPR series on Bruce Kramer

Songwriter finds inspiration in MPR series on Bruce Kramer

Anna Schulze was so touched by Cathy Wurzer's "Living While Dying" series that she wrote "Don't You Fade Away," featured on her new album.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 31: Saying goodbye

As Bruce Kramer's life nears its end, friends and family gather at his bedside to say goodbye.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 30: Tipping point

As ALS continues to diminish his physical capacity, Bruce Kramer considers when his condition will reach a tipping point.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 29: A love story

Bruce Kramer and his wife Ev Emerson discuss how they fell in love and how their relationship evolved through marriage and ALS.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 28: Honesty

The choir that he once directed visits Bruce Kramer's home at Christmas.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 27: Focus

Bruce Kramer says ALS helped him focus on what is important in life.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 26: Leadership

Bruce Kramer talked to students about how his training as a leader helped him adjust to life with ALS.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 25: Being tested

Bruce Kramer is tired of having the progression of his ALS measured with a number. He has embraced living in the moment.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 25: Testing

Bruce Kramer talks about his mixed feelings regarding the ALS Functional Rating, a number which quantifies how the disease is progressing.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 24: Prepared for ALS

Bruce Kramer tells us that during his childhood, his mother was frequently ill and in the hospital. He says that experience helped prepare him to deal with ALS.
by Cathy Wurzer

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