Community Focus: Keep on working for a better Havre

Two years ago last week we received my diagnosis: “highly suggestive of ALS.”

As the last two years have played out, clearly the suggestion was correct. I walked in to the Mayo Clinic in July 2013; I sit in my wheelchair today and for the rest of my life. However, I am still here, still out in public, still working and volunteering. I will continue until I lose my voice, and even then I may keep up my (new) normal life.

I am still functioning largely because I have incredible support from my family and friends. We are fortunate to have good insurance and good jobs. I have a husband and children who step up to do less- than-pleasant tasks associated with my decreasing abilities.

We have been able to travel, see family, watch the Red Sox (lose) in Fenway Park, hear great musicians, and relish living in such a wonderful city as Havre.

Unfortunately, since I was diagnosed, two additional Hi-Line people were also diagnosed. I did the math: ALS occurrence in Havre is an order of magnitude higher than the national average. We lost one of the PALS — person with ALS — already, which is why the average lifespan is only 3-5 years from diagnosis. Math again; averages get skewed by outliers.

I turned 55 this past Sunday, the same day that the Americans with Disabilities Act turned 25. Without ADA, millions of peoples’ lives would be so much more difficult. Accessibility is still a challenge, but at least every new or renovated facility must be made accessible. The ADA helps not only us disabled people, but also parents with strollers, elderly people, or anyone else who need assistance at a curb or doorway. I am glad to share a birthday with the ADA. I will advocate for additional access wherever I go.

Life is good. There is no doubt I have a terminal disease that is progressing, but I can be very thankful each day. With my remaining time, I can help Havre commit to funding infrastructure replacement; I can work to increase accessibility to our public places through community improvement groups. I can show people through my actions that in whatever time we are given, we can all work to better our communities.

(Pam Hillery is a longtime Havre community leader and a Havre City Council member.)