The Story from APM

Incurably Hopeful - An Update

Wednesday, May 09 2007

Incurably Hopeful - An Update

Jill Hollis with her son Joel - click for a larger view

Six months ago, Dick interviewed Jill Hollis and her doctor, Rick Bedlack, about ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, affects about 30,000 Americans. Most people with the disease live 3 to 5 years.

For the first couple of years after she got the diagnosis, Jill felt a new sense of urgency that made her deeply appreciate her life.

Jill with Dick in the studio - click for a larger view

She is now approaching 3 years with the disease. She can still walk, although not as well. She loves swimming, and she spends as much time as she possibly can with friends and family. Dick talks with Jill about what has changed in her life and what she is learning about ALS.

• Learn more about Jill's clinic, the Duke ALS Clinic
• Listen to the first interview with Jill
• Read the travel essay Jill hopes will win her a free trip

TOUGH JOB - LOST LUGGAGE DELIVERY

Stevie Ray Griffin

We've heard a lot lately about people and planes…people on planes waiting to take off, or people on planes waiting to get off once the plane has landed. Stevie Ray Griffin is the guy who deals with the luggage once there's been an issue with a flight. Stevie Ray delivers "delayed" luggage to passengers out of the Raleigh-Durham Airport five days a week, driving over 400 miles a night in his Honda Civic van.

Dick Gordon talks to Stevie Ray about the occupational hazards of luggage delivery in the wee hours of the morning.