'I can't be there physically ... but I can support him other ways'

By Tom Adams KVAL News and KVAL.com staff - September 10, 2009

Born with cerebral palsy and confined to a wheelchair, Tony Cole has counted on his little brother Chris for help over the years. Now Tony finds himself helping Chris do what he no longer can do: speak aloud about ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

SPRINGFIELD, Oregon -- Born with cerebral palsy and confined to a wheelchair, Tony Cole has counted on his little brother Chris for help over the years.

Chris and Tony

Now Tony finds himself helping Chris do what he no longer can do.

"I feel for Chris. I love him more than I can say," says Tony (at right). "Because I know what a rough road, you know, a disability can mean to a person."

Chris Cole was diagnosed six months ago with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Baseball player Lou Gehrig is the most public face of ALS, commonly called "Lou Gehrig's disease."

Gehrig (right) was the most public face of the disease, which attacks nerves in the brain and spine. The symptoms include difficulty speaking and swallowing, respiratory failure and paralysis.

Those with the disease typically die within two to five years of diagnosis.

Already, Chris has lost his voice and uses a feeding tube. He communicates with a dry eraser board.

"I know he gets frustrated but then again I think we have a closeness that he knows is because I love him and I want to help him," says Vee Bundrant, his mom.

Tony and Chris Cole will be co-captains of the family's team at the September 20 Walk To Defeat ALS event in Eugene, Oregon, one of six fundraising walks for ALS research that are being held in Oregon this month.

Tony says given what Chris has done for him all through the years, he must become his brother's voice.

"Like he's been there for me," he says. "I can't be there physically for him, but I can support him in other ways."