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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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'Living While Dying' episode 3: Growing fatigue

'Living While Dying' episode 3: Growing fatigue

Bruce Kramer knew that ALS was going to slowly and insidiously steal much of his body's abilities. That's what it does, and the time in which it takes the disease to claim its victims varies.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Living While Dying' episode 1: Diagnosis

'Living While Dying' episode 1: Diagnosis

Bruce Kramer talks about his diagnosis and how it changed his view of the world.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Listen: Cathy Wurzer remembers Bruce Kramer

Listen: Cathy Wurzer remembers Bruce Kramer

Cathy Wurzer reflects on interviews with Bruce Kramer, the former St. Thomas dean who was diagnosed with ALS. The pair collaborated on a book that was published days before Kramer's death.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Bruce Kramer's journey with ALS reaches its end

Bruce Kramer's journey with ALS reaches its end

Instead of quietly succumbing to ALS, Kramer summoned the resources to meet the disease head-on and talk about it in public.
by Eric Ringham

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As death from ALS draws near, Kramer finds strength in choice

As death from ALS draws near, Kramer finds strength in choice

For Bruce Kramer and his wife, Ev Emerson, one of the benefits of hospice care is that they have some say about the manner of his approaching death.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Living a love story cut short by ALS

Living a love story cut short by ALS

Far from having their marriage damaged by illness, Bruce Kramer and Ev Emerson have found a new intimacy.
by Cathy Wurzer

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After 4 years of ALS, Kramer senses 'tipping point'

After 4 years of ALS, Kramer senses 'tipping point'

Bruce Kramer isn't as worried about his increasing pain as he is about losing his power to communicate.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Bruce Kramer sets his sights on a 'good death'

Bruce Kramer sets his sights on a 'good death'

ALS has given Bruce Kramer the same prognosis that cancer gave Brittany Maynard. She chose a quick death; he's chosen hospice care.
by Cathy Wurzer

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