Lynne Gittins, 70, was diagnosed with motor neuron disease after a minor foot complaint; she can no longer walk and has difficulty using her arms and hands. Her son Tom Waterhouse completed a 100-mile nonstop walk in 33 hours to honor her.
The Cleveland Clinic describes motor neuron disease as a progressive group of conditions that damage nerves controlling voluntary muscle movement. A GoFundMe linked to Waterhouse's walk raised more than $7,700 for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, which supports MND research.
Gittins' son said the diagnosis process involved extensive testing and could be frustrating. A local Motor Neuron Disease Association team now supports her, with nurses visiting at home—a setup Gittins said is easier than hospital visits. She said the team also supports her husband.
