Words by Smiley Team
On 27 November 2019, Eric Weinbrenner was sadly diagnosed with ALS – the day before Thanksgiving.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes the brain to lose contact with the muscles. People with ALS lose their ability to walk, talk, and eventually breathe due to a loss of brain-to-muscle communication – and, on average, it takes about a year to receive a diagnosis.
After receiving the devastating news, Eric turned to painting to help him cope. This became a creative outlet for him to relax his nerves and mind, allowing him to shift his focus away from his diagnosis and toward his art.
He was amazed by the healing power of creativity, and was inspired to start Paint For A Cure, a nonprofit to cure the financial burden that ALS brings upon families.
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"Before I was diagnosed, I was active with family, work and outdoor activities, such as snowboarding and skiing," he tells Smiley News. "I think it’s important to have a positive attitude no matter what obstacles come your way.”
Eric’s wife, Jen Weinbrenneer tells us: “Paint For A Cure has helped so many families. No only are they dealing with their illness, but they are worried about how they’re going to pay their bills. This programs has helped so many is a significant way.”
When asked how has helping others helped him cope with his disease, Eric says it has kept him going – rather than focusing on his disease.
"My glass has never been half empty, it’s always half full," he says. "I’m glad my hands aren’t tied when it comes to ALS. I don’t dwell on the negative effects of the disease and look at what I still have to live for.”
The nonprofit relies on donations, so if you'd like to know more or want to give back and support the charity, visit paintforacure.org.
