I was born and raised in Hovmantorp, Sweden, a community beautifully located by Lake Rottnen. I have been married to Peter since 2001, and we have four children—three of whom have moved out, while one still shares the house with us. Our home also includes all four of our family’s cats: Messi, Moses, Mirjam, and Stella.
My passions include spending time with friends and family, as well as focusing on our home and garden. I enjoy cooking, particularly Mediterranean cuisine, but I also appreciate traditional home-cooked meals.
Until 2001, I worked in the butcher shop at Köplusten in Hovmantorp. Since 2002, I have been employed at Lundens Växthus in Ormeshaga, an extraordinary commercial garden.
However, I worked there until May 2016, when I experienced a complete breakdown due to exhaustion and depression, from which I have not fully recovered.
In December 2023, I received devastating news: I have been diagnosed with ALS, a disease that currently has no cure and will ultimately take my life if research does not advance soon.
My diagnosis is Bulbar ALS, which affects my ability to speak, swallow, and breathe. Additionally, the muscles in my arms, torso, and chest will atrophy as the nerves deteriorate. Eventually, I will require assistance to help eliminate carbon dioxide from my body.
Time is of the essence, as my variant has a poorer prognosis. I cannot simply sit back and wait to die; I have a responsibility to myself, my family, relatives, and friends.
Above all, I feel a duty to those affected by ALS to contribute to finding a solution that can slow down a disease that is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in the Nordics.
I put my life in the little hope I have of being able to slow down my disease, which means a trip to one of the world’s ALS clinics that work to strengthen the body’s immune system and clean out toxins that the body has accumulated. Thus, the body can more easily help itself to healing. I have contact with BodyScience in Miami and if I’m lucky, I’ll raise the money I need to be able to afford the treatment that many do successfully to live longer.
In light of my decision to do whatever I could to come to the United States, I received an offer to participate in a study. This had been one of my goals since I was diagnosed with ALS. The leading researcher was in contact with my neurologist, and an initial discussion took place. On paper, it seemed like I could participate, and an appointment for screening was scheduled for mid-August 2024. With this hope, I temporarily set aside my plans to go to the USA, as I couldn’t join the study if I chose to travel. During the summer, we spent as much time as possible together in our caravan on Öland while I was still alert enough to enjoy it.
This time, I realized I wasn’t just waiting for something to happen; I had to take action here and now to slow down the progression of the disease. I spent countless days and nights reading about the body, its cells, and the various systems at play, learning how they interact and affect one another. I researched which vitamins and nutritional supplements I needed while also consulting with a knowledgeable ”mentor” who, like me, believes it is possible to turn this situation around.
Through DNA tests and heavy metal testing, I discovered the cause of my specific ALS. It turned out that I had a fragility in breaking down environmental toxins and managing both internal and external stress-related strains. Eventually, I learned that I had high levels of arsenic in my body. Having lived with this trauma for over 30 years, my perspective on why I developed ALS has begun to clarify. I have spent thousands of SEK on alternative medicine and various devices, such as a NIR lamp, grounding mat, EMS-TENS apparatus, sauna bag, and B12 syringes, among other treatments. I want to believe that I am healing and that my body is fighting back in this struggle.
After Christmas 2024, my doctor recommended that I have a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) tube inserted as a precaution. Although I still eat most foods, I typically take liquids through the PEG. A PEG is a small button attached to the stomach, allowing for tube feeding on days when I can’t eat by mouth. The operation was fairly uncomplicated, and I was able to go home the next day.
In February, we completed a fundraising campaign in support of ALS, contributing to Börje Salming’s foundation for the disease. With the help of a new friend and a highly committed social profile, we raised SEK 50,000, and I couldn’t be happier. I am filled with love and gratitude for the support.
Now, I look forward to spring and upcoming projects, hoping to participate in a new study if my lungs cooperate.
I hope you will join me on my journey!
To be continued!
For gifts / contributions
I have started a fundraiser for this purpose and if you want to be a part of my journey and fight this devil’s disease, ALS, I would be more than grateful.
Åsa ALS fundraiser
Gofundme: https://gofund.me/71aefbd4
I am truly grateful for your contribution to my fight against ALS. Thank you for your support!
🙏🏼 Åsa 🙏🏼
Åsa Ekvalls Hemsida 