The Will To Live

By Tom Adams KVAL News - August 31, 2010

SPRINGFIELD, Oregon - Last September, Chris Cole was on his feet, walking to defeat ALS.

"I can not believe I was walking last year," he said.

A year later, the disease is starting to take its toll.

Cole was diagnosed early last year with the illness commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

His biggest cheerleader, his mom Vee Bundrant, said it's a good thing they haven't lost their sense of humor.

"He does have his sense of humor because he and I do clash occasionally and we have to have something to help us," she said.

As his symptoms get worse, Chris has a growing array of medical gear to help him cough, breath and communicate.

A keyboard, monitor and speech producer provide a voice for Chris. "He's a very hard worker, and he's not going to let anybody slack around here," said Steve Loveland, Chris' caregiver. "I'll tell you right now: he's not."

Just a year ago, Chris was still helping his brother Tony, who is fighting his own battle with cerebral palsy. 

Now Chris, too, is in his own chair.

But it's not the end of the journey for Chris Cole.

What keeps him going?

Chris takes a pen and a dry erase board and writes out this phrase:

"The will to live."