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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 with ALS: Contemplating the right kind of 'Endgame'

Living with ALS: Contemplating the right kind of 'Endgame'

This is part of our continuing series of stories about Bruce Kramer, the former dean of the College of Education, Leadership and Counseling at the University of St. Thomas, as he copes with life after being diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
by Cathy Wurzer

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A friend's ALS death in the circle of life

A friend's ALS death in the circle of life

Bruce Kramer found a safe haven for conversation about ALS with a friend who also had the disease. They talked together freely and sometimes with raw emotion.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Photos, technology change self-perception

Photos, technology change self-perception

As we get older, there's no denying that our bodies change. Photographs of ourselves can be startling, sometimes unnerving reminders of those changes.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Having the right kind of bucket list

Having the right kind of bucket list

When it comes to bucket lists, "you have to care about other people," Bruce Kramer says. "You have to care about other things besides yourself."
by Cathy Wurzer

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Bruce Kramer welcomes a new role in his family

Bruce Kramer welcomes a new role in his family

Bruce Kramer has been in two drug trials since being diagnosed with ALS. The second recently ended, but he's asked the drug company to let him keep taking the medicine.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Bioethicist: Public health trumps help for individuals

What are the ethics of conducting clinical drug trials in cases where the patient has a terminal illness? Jeffrey Kahn, a professor of bioethics and public policy at Johns Hopkins University, discusses the matter.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Patient argues for changes to drug trials

Patient argues for changes to drug trials

"Obviously we're not talking about a cure for ALS here," Bruce Kramer says. But if a medicine helps a patient feel better, "that would certainly be helpful."
by Cathy Wurzer

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Bruce Kramer, patient, becomes a lecturer once again

Bruce Kramer, patient, becomes a lecturer once again

We follow Bruce Kramer as he delivers a guest lecture at the University of Minnesota medical school.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Yoga helps reconnect an ALS patient's disconnected body

Yoga helps reconnect an ALS patient's disconnected body

The ancient discipline of yoga keeps attracting new followers. Bruce Kramer says it helps him cope with ALS.
by Cathy Wurzer

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On his birthday, Bruce Kramer contemplates faith

On his birthday, Bruce Kramer contemplates faith

Birthdays can take on special meanings: Tangible evidence that they are still here, yet also milestones on a dwindling journey.
by Cathy Wurzer

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