Gary Crook | artist ALS Fund Life Factoid: I've lost over 40 lbs since my ALS really took hold in August of 2013.

Gary Crook | artist ALS Fund Life Factoid: I've lost over 40 lbs since my ALS really took hold in August of 2013.

In this photo taken on a family vacation to Red River Gorge, Kentucky in March 2013, I weighed 235 lbs.  Before the ravages of ALS really to hold I felt good, could move proverbial mountains with my muscles, and was told by one of my student’s that I spoke “flowery…”  I took that as a compliment… =0)

Now i'm well under 200 lbs - in fact, I weigh about as much as I did when Karen and I got married back in 1997.  Guess it’s true, getting married really does put on the weight… =0|

As far as moving mountains, those day’s apparently long gone, I can't even lift a roll of toilet paper with one hand…  And for speaking “flowery,” well my speech can best be compared to that of a 14 month old human baby - a lot of noise, but little understanding and/or clarity.

The good news, the Louisville ALS Loan Closet brought over a “talking machine” - where you type and speaks for you - for free!  Thank You from the bottom of my heart Roddie and  the Louisville ALS Loan Closet!

~ Gary Crook | artist, Louisville, Kentucky 2014

> If you’d like to donate directly to Gary Crook’s ALS Fund, please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/60j52k

New ALS Fund Artwork by Gary Crook | artist: "Totem and the Woman" - Dated 1995

New ALS Fund Artwork by Gary Crook | artist: "Totem and the Woman" - Dated 1995

Mixed Media on Canvas

Help contribute to Gary Crook's ALS Fund by buying his artwork on prints and merchandise.  Check out his latest artwork.

Gary was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease) on 12/20/2013.  Gary started noticing the first signs of ALS in the Spring of 2013, but we didn't know what was going on until just before the Holidays when he got his diagnosis.  He has always been a healthy man with a lot to offer the artist community.  He has influenced several aspiring artists over the years teaching at various colleges and schools and leaving his mark with inspiration of design.  A mark that seemed to last forever-he still communicates with a few of his students from art classes he taught as early as 1997.

He has touched so many people and he was always the guy to help others, but now he is the one needing help--which is hard for him to accept because he still sees himself as the big, strong man.

He is also a great husband and father. Gary choose a life where he could work from home since Karen is an Air Force Veteran and to spend more time with his family. He has been married for 18 years to his wife where they strive to keep a tight knit family and running a small gift store, Lexie's Trading Post where they sold there own Family Skin Care Line, Lexie's of Louisville and where the kids are often seen in the day to day operations. They, the kids- Dylan and Jordan- Love working our quarterly charity drives dedicated to the likes of animal rescues, to food drives for the local food pantry, to free outdoor cinema family night's to their local community.

Since Gary has ALWAYS been an artist, he is attempting to create art for as long as he still can. It is becoming increasingly difficult to control his hands, but this latest attempt is another victory and a further attempt to help his wife in supporting his family since he cannot teach anymore.

Thank You for your time reading about Gary and your consideration and possible donation. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. 

If you'd like to donate directly to Gary Crook's ALS Fund, please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/60j52k

* Also, if you'd like to visit Gary Crook | artist's Official Web Page, where there are 20+ years of artwork and writings, check: http://garycrookartist.com 

Thank you all! I've been asked often about this (what I'm going through with ALS) for a while now, so I figured I'd do a big post.

Taken in 1997 in The Colony (Dallas), Texas

Thank you all! I've been asked often about this (what I'm going through with ALS) for a while now, so I figured I'd do a big post. 

Everyday is a new adventure and this disease is moving through me very quickly - even for ALS, mine appears to be very aggressive.

Gosh, only four month's ago I was still driving and helping with Lexie's Trading Post (before Karen Crook took my car keys away, thank God...), three month's ago the falling started, two month's ago I was still teaching, helping cook dinner, helping with the laundry and helping the kids with their homework. A little over a month ago I lost the ability to walk and talk... Now I cannot help with anything and only take - and I don't say that lightly... =0(

I will tell you all this when faced with the real prospect of "really" dying... NOTHING, and I mean nothing material matters anymore - and you find when you really take stock of your life, that it never really did. Looking back, the Rolling Stone's really did get it right, "You can't always get what you want, you get what you need..."

As cheesy as it may sound, LOVE (and hAving loved) is all that ever mattered, because your loved one's and dear friends will be the one's that carry your memory forward. They are also the very one's that will help you in times like this: bring over dinners, drop off casseroles and tasty desserts, make sure you get your meds, put your socks on, give you a bath and even help you blow your nose, to name but a very few things Karen Crook, Grace Drake Crook, and Jerry McCombs - and my wonderful kids help me with. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I'm very VERY fortunate to have you all in my life.

... and that didn't happen by accident, it happened because I loved and was loved in return. I've screwed up A LOT in my life, but this I got right...

My Hosparus nurse tells me of many people that are dying alone, or in families that don't care for the dying very well right here in Louisville - and it breaks my heart. THAT's what love (and having loved) will bring into your life when you need it the most. I'm very fortunate indeed... =0)

Love one another...

~ Gary Crook | artist, Louisville, Kentucky 2014

If you’d like to donate directly to Gary Crook’s ALS Fund, please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/60j52k

Having ALS is EXACTLY like living life in reverse...

Having ALS is EXACTLY like living life in reverse (like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - but very accelerated), you lose the ability to speak, walk, go the bathroom by yourself, loose a lot of weight, eat with a fork (spoon, whatever) and eventually breathe…  The best way to describe it, you become a baby again, BUT with all the memories and experiences of an adult.  ~  Gary Crook | artist, 2014

If you’d like to donate directly to Gary Crook’s ALS Fund, please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/60j52k

Gary Crook's ALS Fund: Gary wanted me to share this post from his Facebook update page with you...

Gary wanted me to share this post from his Facebook update page with you...

OK, it is due time to post an ALS Fund update for Gary Crook, but I have been dragging my feet for TWO WEEKS now because I didn't want to have to post this. I/We are still trying to accept that this ALS condition is happening so fast. Well..... Gary was accepted into Hospice two weeks ago. They came and did an evaluation and introduction for when the time comes but after the eval it was recommended to be accepted and he was by doctor's orders. Now, by definition, that means: looking at his symptoms and progression he has up to 6 months to live BUT they have had patients on Hospice for years (in the State of Kentucky once accepted there is no time limit).

This news is hard to accept since we just found out he had ALS in December, but everyone that has been involved has agreed to the fact Gary has an aggressive form, so time is not on his side...

As for Gary: he is having more and more troubles walking-to the point he is half wheelchair and partial walker. His left left is not working very well and he looses his balance easily so you always have to keep your hand on his gait belt. He speech has gotten to the point he is hard to understand at times and you have to ask him to repeat things or sometimes you can figure it out by looking at what he is looking at. Also, the biggest issue has been breathing-it has already been affected (for awhile now). At times he says it fells like he is at high altitude trying to breath, it is like a labored breathing with thin air. ......but good news, even though he isn't sleeping great, he is sleeping a little bit better with the bed Hospice brought over. It has a gel mattress (so no pressure points) and the head and feet raise and lower (like a hospital bed). It lets him get more comfortable and it makes it MUCH easier for getting in out of bed in the morning.

Oh--we started bathroom remodel today. Getting a TALL toilet, a wider door (for wheelchair), smaller vanity, and a duel head shower head so you can be sitting on a shower bench and the water sprays on you. Exciting--and I am glad to see the 1970's floor tile go :0)

Finally, I want to leave you with a thought when you are looking at life:
" You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."

For the record......we have failed many times but with each one we have walked away with a lesson learned. You just have to find the good in it :0)

If you'd like to donate directly to Gary Crook's ALS Fund, please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/60j52k

* Also, if you'd like to visit Gary Crook | artist's Official Web Page, where there are 20+ years of artwork and writings, check: http://garycrookartist.com 

New ALS Fund Artwork by Gary Crook | artist: "Fall of the Sun People" - Dated 1995

New ALS Fund Artwork by Gary Crook | artist: "Fall of the Sun People" - Dated 1995

Acrylic and Latex on Canvas

Help contribute to Gary Crook's ALS Fund by buying his artwork on prints and merchandise.  Check out his latest artwork.

Gary was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease) on 12/20/2013.  Gary started noticing the first signs of ALS in the Spring of 2013, but we didn't know what was going on until just before the Holidays when he got his diagnosis.  He has always been a healthy man with a lot to offer the artist community.  He has influenced several aspiring artists over the years teaching at various colleges and schools and leaving his mark with inspiration of design.  A mark that seemed to last forever-he still communicates with a few of his students from art classes he taught as early as 1997.

He has touched so many people and he was always the guy to help others, but now he is the one needing help--which is hard for him to accept because he still sees himself as the big, strong man.

He is also a great husband and father. Gary choose a life where he could work from home since Karen is an Air Force Veteran and to spend more time with his family. He has been married for 18 years to his wife where they strive to keep a tight knit family and running a small gift store, Lexie's Trading Post where they sold there own Family Skin Care Line, Lexie's of Louisville and where the kids are often seen in the day to day operations. They, the kids- Dylan and Jordan- Love working our quarterly charity drives dedicated to the likes of animal rescues, to food drives for the local food pantry, to free outdoor cinema family night's to their local community.

Since Gary has ALWAYS been an artist, he is attempting to create art for as long as he still can. It is becoming increasingly difficult to control his hands, but this latest attempt is another victory and a further attempt to help his wife in supporting his family since he cannot teach anymore.

Thank You for your time reading about Gary and your consideration and possible donation. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. 

If you'd like to donate directly to Gary Crook's ALS Fund, please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/60j52k

* Also, if you'd like to visit Gary Crook | artist's Official Web Page, where there are 20+ years of artwork and writings, check: http://garycrookartist.com 

New ALS Fund Artwork by Gary Crook | artist: "Asking nicely won't help you" - Dated 1995

New ALS Fund Artwork by Gary Crook | artist: "Asking nicely won't help you" - Dated 1995

Acrylic and Latex on Canvas

Help contribute to Gary Crook's ALS Fund by buying his artwork on prints and merchandise.  Check out his latest artwork.

Gary was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease) on 12/20/2013.  Gary started noticing the first signs of ALS in the Spring of 2013, but we didn't know what was going on until just before the Holidays when he got his diagnosis.  He has always been a healthy man with a lot to offer the artist community.  He has influenced several aspiring artists over the years teaching at various colleges and schools and leaving his mark with inspiration of design.  A mark that seemed to last forever-he still communicates with a few of his students from art classes he taught as early as 1997.

He has touched so many people and he was always the guy to help others, but now he is the one needing help--which is hard for him to accept because he still sees himself as the big, strong man.

He is also a great husband and father. Gary choose a life where he could work from home since Karen is an Air Force Veteran and to spend more time with his family. He has been married for 18 years to his wife where they strive to keep a tight knit family and running a small gift store, Lexie's Trading Post where they sold there own Family Skin Care Line, Lexie's of Louisville and where the kids are often seen in the day to day operations. They, the kids- Dylan and Jordan- Love working our quarterly charity drives dedicated to the likes of animal rescues, to food drives for the local food pantry, to free outdoor cinema family night's to their local community.

Since Gary has ALWAYS been an artist, he is attempting to create art for as long as he still can. It is becoming increasingly difficult to control his hands, but this latest attempt is another victory and a further attempt to help his wife in supporting his family since he cannot teach anymore.

Thank You for your time reading about Gary and your consideration and possible donation. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. 

If you'd like to donate directly to Gary Crook's ALS Fund, please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/60j52k

* Also, if you'd like to visit Gary Crook | artist's Official Web Page, where there are 20+ years of artwork and writings, check: http://garycrookartist.com 

Click here to support Gary's ALS Mobility Fund by Karen Crook: www.gofundme.com

Click here to support Gary's ALS Mobility Fund by Karen Crook

www.gofundme.com

Gary was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease) on 12/20/2013.  Gary started noticing the first signs of ALS in the Spring of 2013, but we didn't know what was going on until just before the Holidays when he got his diagnosis.  He has always been a healthy man with a lot to offer the artist community.  He has influenced several aspiring artists over the years teaching at various colleges and schools and leaving his mark with inspiration of design.  A mark that seemed to last forever-he still communicates with a few of his students from art classes he taught as early as 1997.

He has touched so many people and he was always the guy to help others, but now he is the one needing help--which is hard for him to accept because he still sees himself as the big, strong man.

He is also a great husband and father. Gary choose a life where he could work from home since Karen is an Air Force Veteran and to spend more time with his family. He has been married for 18 years to his wife where they strive to keep a tight knit family and running a small gift store, Lexie's Trading Post where they sold their own Family Skin Care Line, Lexie's of Louisville and where the kids are often seen in the day to day operations. They, the kids- Dylan and Jordan- Love working our quarterly charity drives dedicated to the likes of animal rescues, to food drives for the local food pantry, to free outdoor cinema family night's to their local community.

Since Gary has ALWAYS been an artist, he is attempting to create art for as long as he still can. It is becoming increasingly difficult to control his hands, but this latest attempt is another victory and a further attempt to help his wife in supporting his family since he cannot teach anymore.

Thank You for your time reading about Gary and your consideration and possible donation. Any donation will be greatly appreciated.

If you'd like to donate directly to Gary Crook's ALS Fund, please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/60j52k

* Also, if you'd like to visit Gary Crook | artist's Official Web Page, where there are 20+ years of artwork and writings, check: http://garycrookartist.com 

New ALS Fund Artwork by Gary Crook | artist: "Aztec Experience" - Dated 1995

New ALS Fund Artwork by Gary Crook | artist: "Aztec Experience" - Dated 1995

Help contribute to Gary Crook's ALS Fund by buying his artwork on prints and merchandise.  Check out his latest artwork.

Gary was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease) on 12/20/2013.  Gary started noticing the first signs of ALS in the Spring of 2013, but we didn't know what was going on until just before the Holidays when he got his diagnosis.  He has always been a healthy man with a lot to offer the artist community.  He has influenced several aspiring artists over the years teaching at various colleges and schools and leaving his mark with inspiration of design.  A mark that seemed to last forever-he still communicates with a few of his students from art classes he taught as early as 1997.

He has touched so many people and he was always the guy to help others, but now he is the one needing help--which is hard for him to accept because he still sees himself as the big, strong man.

He is also a great husband and father. Gary choose a life where he could work from home since Karen is an Air Force Veteran and to spend more time with his family. He has been married for 18 years to his wife where they strive to keep a tight knit family and running a small gift store, Lexie's Trading Post where they sold there own Family Skin Care Line, Lexie's of Louisville and where the kids are often seen in the day to day operations. They, the kids- Dylan and Jordan- Love working our quarterly charity drives dedicated to the likes of animal rescues, to food drives for the local food pantry, to free outdoor cinema family night's to their local community.

Since Gary has ALWAYS been an artist, he is attempting to create art for as long as he still can. It is becoming increasingly difficult to control his hands, but this latest attempt is another victory and a further attempt to help his wife in supporting his family since he cannot teach anymore.

Thank You for your time reading about Gary and your consideration and possible donation. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. 

If you'd like to donate directly to Gary Crook's ALS Fund, please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/60j52k

* Also, if you'd like to visit Gary Crook | artist's Official Web Page, where there are 20+ years of artwork and writings, check: http://garycrookartist.com 

Click here to support Gary's ALS Mobility Fund by Karen Crook: www.gofundme.com

Click here to support Gary's ALS Mobility Fund by Karen Crook

www.gofundme.com

Gary was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease) on 12/20/2013.  Gary started noticing the first signs of ALS in the Spring of 2013, but we didn't know what was going on until just before the Holidays when he got his diagnosis.  He has always been a healthy man with a lot to offer the artist community.  He has influenced several aspiring artists over the years teaching at various colleges and schools and leaving his mark with inspiration of design.  A mark that seemed to last forever-he still communicates with a few of his students from art classes he taught as early as 1997.

He has touched so many people and he was always the guy to help others, but now he is the one needing help--which is hard for him to accept because he still sees himself as the big, strong man.

He is also a great husband and father. Gary choose a life where he could work from home since Karen is an Air Force Veteran and to spend more time with his family. He has been married for 18 years to his wife where they strive to keep a tight knit family and running a small gift store, Lexie's Trading Post where they sold their own Family Skin Care Line, Lexie's of Louisville and where the kids are often seen in the day to day operations. They, the kids- Dylan and Jordan- Love working our quarterly charity drives dedicated to the likes of animal rescues, to food drives for the local food pantry, to free outdoor cinema family night's to their local community.

Since Gary has ALWAYS been an artist, he is attempting to create art for as long as he still can. It is becoming increasingly difficult to control his hands, but this latest attempt is another victory and a further attempt to help his wife in supporting his family since he cannot teach anymore.

Thank You for your time reading about Gary and your consideration and possible donation. Any donation will be greatly appreciated.

If you'd like to donate directly to Gary Crook's ALS Fund, please go to: http://www.gofundme.com/60j52k

* Also, if you'd like to visit Gary Crook | artist's Official Web Page, where there are 20+ years of artwork and writings, check: http://garycrookartist.com