Farmington, Conn. – Cheryl Cook is facing a life-altering diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), but she’s not facing it alone. A coordinated care team at UConn Health’s ALS and Muscular Dystrophy Programme is providing her with the comprehensive support she needs to navigate the challenges of the disease, offering a model of compassionate and expert care for patients and their families.
Cook’s story underscores the growing need for specialized,patient-centered programs for individuals with ALS and other neuromuscular diseases. These conditions, which progressively affect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, impact thousands of Americans annually, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to manage both the physical and emotional toll. UConn Health’s program aims to deliver exactly that, ensuring patients receive holistic care throughout their journey.
“I’ve accepted what’s happening, but I’m not facing it alone,” Cook said. “Dr. Hernandez, dr. Viguera,and everyone at UConn Health treat me with compassion and respect. They care about my life, not just my diagnosis.”
According to Dr. Hernandez, “Every patient’s journey is different,” but the program’s core goal remains consistent: “to make sure no one faces these diseases without coordinated, expert, and compassionate care.”
The program provides access to a full team of specialists working together to address medical, emotional, and practical needs.Cook emphasized the impact of this collaborative approach, stating, “When I leave clinic, I feel like I have an entire team behind me. That’s what keeps me going.”
UConn Health’s ALS and Muscular Dystrophy Program, accessible at https://www.uconnhealth.org/neurology/services-specialties/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis, serves as a model for comprehensive care, offering patients hope and support as they navigate the challenges of neuromuscular diseases. As the program expands, it continues to demonstrate the power of a truly patient-centered approach.
