Page 14- Summer of 2008

In June of 08, Sergio and his family went to see Sonia's family doctor, Dr. Joseph Longnecker in Fullerton. It was Dr. Longnecker who contacted Sonia after hearing about a special case study being done by some Italian doctors on a very limited basis. In short, the study is trying to slow down the progression of ALS in patients by giving the drug Lithium to the patient. Lithium is a drug used as an anti depressant but this study has shown some promise in the treatment of ALS. Slowing down the progression is the main goal but some patients have reported getting some minor movement control back into their bodies.

Although Sergio is not in the "official" study, Dr. Longnecker and Sergio wanted to see what would happen if Sergio were to take Lithium. There is virtually no real side effects to worry about and Lithium is a drug that has been on the market for many years.

Sergio started taking the drug in June of 08 and within just a few weeks, not only has Sergio's ALS symptoms has not progress but he seems to getting some muscle control back in a few parts of his body. His left foot which has been unresponsive for many months seems to have some slight controlled movement back but the most amazing thing is that Sergio right thumb which he was losing control in and which he uses to move his wheelchair around to keep mobile, seems to regain a lot of movement and control- THIS IS HUGE!!!!

Now Sergio and the family knows that Lithium will not bring all of his muscles and movement back. All that they hope for was for a slow down of the progression of ALS. Getting any movement back is nothing short of a blessing.

I, Sonia, want to take this time to thank Dr. Longnecker for everything he has done through this time in our family's lives. His whole hearted concern for me and for Sergio has been above and beyond being the family doctor. "Dr. Joe" has been there for me from the very first day I found out about Sergio's diagnoses and has been a great support every step of the way. He is more than our doc- he is a true friend and I am truly blessed to have him in our lives.

http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/105/6/2052

And MDA also has an article just post recently on the internet at www.ald-mda.org

To: ALS Families
From: ALS Division of the Muscular Dystrophy Association

Date: July 2, 2008

We've posted new ALS information on our Web site.

Please click on the link below to access our Web site and learn more about research, services and programs funded by MDA's ALS Division. Information specific to the research development noted below can be found under "What's New."

ALS LITHIUM TRIAL UNDER WAY AT 10 SITES

www.als-mda.org

Scott Wiebe
Director - Outreach Initiatives & ALS Division

World Leader in ALS Research and Services

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And on the lighter side,

Before the recent heat wave, you could find Sergio and Kelly just about every afternoon outside in their beautiful backyard, relaxing and enjoying the garden. It seems as if Sergio has friends of every kind- even reptile-type friends. There is a lizard (let's call him "Larry") that comes out and generally has a staring match with Sergio just about everyday. Sometime he stays for a while and some days he just stops by to say Hi. Sometimes, he brings a friend or two to DeLuca-land to say hi to Sergio. It only goes to show us all- "Friends come in all shapes and sizes (and species)".

Now that it's summer, Sergio is very happy to have Alyssa and Frankie (and sometimes their friends) around the house more. Both kids will do anything for their dad and Sergio appreciates every single bit of help they do for him. Most nights are movie nights and sometimes, Serg and Kel bring out the old home videos. You know that there's lots of laughs on those nights.

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*****SAVE THE DATE****

D'Feet ALS 5K Walk

OCTOBER 18, 08

Fighting for Sergio

10am at Mason Regional Park in Irvine

More details to come soon for Sergio's team-

"The Fighting Italians"

Walksite PALS pic