Brett Beard’s Post

Associate Director, Value Creation | Behavioral Health

1mo

I’ve been holding this in for what seems like forever, but I feel now is the time to put it out there. I’m close to a diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gherigs). What I mean by that is my body is regressing in the same fashion that people with the disease experience but not to the point where a firm diagnosis can be given. I started showing symptoms last August with muscle twitching and atrophy, and neuropathy in my back. It’s been tough both mentally and physically. I’ve been seen by a number of neurologists and connected closely with Mayo Clinic neurology department in AZ and the specialist I’m seeing has run a litany of tests for diseases that mimic Lou Gherigs - none have “hit”. ALS is a rule-out diagnosis. There’s a lot that I want to unpack but I want to be concise. 1- I’ve come to love the Lord. If there’s ever a silver lining to this is that He’s been relentless for my heart through all of this. As things regress I have a choice to turn bitter or stay faithful. I’m still struggling with this part. I pray daily that I make the right decision. 2- I love my family. In working through the mess it’s a goal of mine to give them the best I have with the time I have left. My wife, my boys - you have my whole heart. My family, thank you for all of your support and love through this process. 3- In reading the medical journals and articles, I’m still trying to come to terms with what the future holds, crossing every emotion possible. That said, I’ve been fortunate enough to have come to know many friends and colleagues in the medical field over the years. If you happen to have any information on the latest and greatest treatments available for ALS or motor neuron diseases, please share. I’ll do whatever I can to fight it until the time is right. Love you all. Life is precious - don’t waste it. 1 Peter 5:10

32 Comments

Joe Denton

Partner, Employee Benefits with Acrisure South Platform

1mo

Brett, What a courageous warrior you are to share your journey about your illness and the profound impact this had on your walk with Christ. Thank you for sharing your how you are facing this battle and I will be lifting you and your family up in prayers. I have been in the health insurance industry 33 years and have seen God’s Healing hands work and clients have experienced miraculous healing and go on to live life with the passion and gratitude that every day is a gift. My prayers are that you will experience this type of healing and will live life as an example to others on surrendering to God’s Will leads to Victory🙏

Jessica Quiñonez

Client Success Manager at AmplifyMD

1mo

Your life is a daily gift, always worth living, despite the physical limitations of ALS. I have learned there is no right or wrong road,and to maintain your spiritual compass. I pray that your neurologist makes sure you're comfortable both physically and psychologically, and that you adapt for the love of life. I read your post earlier and it took me hours to find it again. Thank you for allowing us all to share this sentiment with you.

Mariah McDermott

Respiratory Therapist at Kivo Health

Brett! For the short amount of time we worked together, I knew you to be a kind strong person. Nothing will change that. Keep your heart open and keep the good fight. God is with you through whatever comes. It may not make that journey easy but you're not alone, take comfort there. Keep your head up and lean on those around you when needed. I'm sorry to hear this for you, prayers are coming your way.

Katie Flores

VP of Products at Percipio Health®

1mo

Brett, this brought bittersweet tears to my eyes. I know this is a foreign territory you find yourself in; however, I can see that you know our God is greater than any diagnosis. Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable with all of us and reminding us how precious life is. It's inspiring! You and your family will continue to be in my prayers, and I'm asking God to restore what has been taken from you in Jesus' name and to continue to reveal His majesty and sovereignty to you, your wife and your boys. You have a team of people cheering you on and I know any one of us reading this post would be wherever you need us to be in a heartbeat.

3 Reactions

Peter Kruger , MBA

Entrepreneur | Digital Healthcare Transformation

1mo

Brett, we love you brother! My heart is out to you and your family! God is with you each step of the way, leading you among unfamiliar paths as you are on now! Prayers are and have been coming your way! Stay strong! “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.” Isaiah 42:16

2 Reactions

Sarah McCloud, MSN, NI-BC

Director of Clinical Content Management at Vivify Health®

1mo

Brett, thank you for sharing and being vulnerable with us. Praying healing over you in Jesus name. As you walk this out I’m praying for peace, comfort and understanding for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your faith and how hard it is sometimes to trust in Gods plan for us. Me along with others are praying and cheering you on. Praying you keep your eyes on Jesus and allow him to comfort you.