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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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Disappointed by a drug trial's curtailment

Disappointed by a drug trial's curtailment

A drug trial that intrigued doctors who treat patients who have ALS, including Bruce Kramer, of Minneapolis, has ended.
by Cathy Wurzer

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At Christmas, Kramer contemplates an anniversary

At Christmas, Kramer contemplates an anniversary

Bruce Kramer and his family, who will never forget the moment two years ago this month when he was diagnosed with ALS.
by Cathy Wurzer

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ALS leads to a medical leave of absense

ALS leads to a medical leave of absense

Bruce Kramer will no longer lead faculty and staff as dean of the College of Education, Leadership and Counseling at the University of St. Thomas.
by Cathy Wurzer

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The seasons and ALS both work their changes

The seasons and ALS both work their changes

Bruce Kramer's legs no longer serve him. Seemingly simple tasks have become almost impossible for him to complete without help.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Managing ALS along with the stress of caregiving

Managing ALS along with the stress of caregiving

As ALS slowly saps Bruce Kramer's health, both he and his wife, Ev, are learning how to help him manage the disease -- and the unknown.
by Cathy Wurzer

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With ALS at semester's end, a teaching career reframed

With ALS at semester's end, a teaching career reframed

It's summer. School's out. Graduates have been urged to step out into the world. Teachers, including Bruce Kramer, tend to look back on the year.
by Cathy Wurzer

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As his ALS weakens him, it forces Bruce Kramer to move house

As his ALS weakens him, it forces Bruce Kramer to move house

Let's face it. Moving is no picnic. Packing boxes and physically moving them from place to place is tough task. Now, consider the difficulty if your mobility is limited.
by Cathy Wurzer

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An ALS patient describes breaking the news with 'The Tell'

An ALS patient describes breaking the news with 'The Tell'

Bruce Kramer talks about what it's like breaking the news of his disease with family and friends, and how he works against letting the disease define him.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Like Lou Gehrig, Bruce Kramer turns to Mayo

Like Lou Gehrig, Bruce Kramer turns to Mayo

Bruce Kramer is being treated for ALS at the Mayo Clinic -- the same clinic where 1930s baseball icon Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with the same disease.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Music offers solace to Bruce Kramer's journey with ALS

Music offers solace to Bruce Kramer's journey with ALS

On Dec. 6, 2010, Bruce Kramer was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Since then, his passion for music has lifted his spirits.
by Cathy Wurzer

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