The Journey
Noticings, wonders, reflections, and things I have learned.
We got a sneak peek of spring in the Northeast today. I took the opportunity to roll out my bike and get in a quick tri-state trek training ride. A really wonderful way to end the day!
Whether it is hopping in the pool or going for a quick bike ride, finding ways to stay active despite physical frustrations have proven to be uniquely joyful adventures. Join Team Niblock!
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2/12/17
I'm going to amend a time-honored adage - “ If at first you don't succeed, take stock of what you have learned, and try, try again!” Whether this is labeled a growth mindset or a learning stance, nobody embodies it better than the researchers and doctors I have met striving to understand and find therapies and a cure for ALS. Children’s author and STEM expert Andrea Beaty, recently wrote a blog post talking about how to cultivate and appreciate failure in children. The piece is a way for us to see the value of failure in any learning endeavor, but it is also a lens through which we can help ourselves and children understand the challenges and the resiliency of the scientists fighting this fight against ALS. it is essential for all of us to understand that through trial, and through failure, we are getting closer, not further away, to a cure. I am so grateful to know many of these scientists trying, learning, and trying again. The science is inspiring and gives significant and justified cause for hope. Please explore this site for links to some of the places “doing the science!” This week I spent some time reading. I was directed by a friend to the site ALS Untangled. It is the work of Dr. Richard Bedlack at Duke University. In a journey that is fraught with frustration and puzzles, Dr. Bedlack has decided to investigate all of the "wacky" options. It is fascinating reading, and it further builds the case that ALS is an individual disease that attacks everyone differently, and therefore we should be open to many different approaches to fight it.
One of the recent posts on his site is a study from Columbia University on the impact of diet on ALS progression. It is a fascinating piece of research – looks like smoothies are going to be a staple! When I first began this journey, somebody told me I would meet some of the most amazing people through our common fight. This has been true. I have met scientists and doctors who are dedicated to solving a riddle that has stumped the best and brightest. I have met families that have fought ALS tooth and nail, and remained resolutely positive and hopeful.
I have also reconnected and strengthened relationships with old friends, family, and the people I see every day. The love, laughter, and support is energizing and sustaining… and fun. Relationships are what get us up in the morning. I have read that a well lived life needs a purpose. As a teacher and a father, I thought I had all the purpose I needed. The past few months have convinced me I have room for more. I am grateful for all of them. Below I have shared links to some of the organizations that are dedicated to one of my life's purposes, finding a cure for ALS. ALS Therapy Development Institute Answer ALS Packard Center Team Gleason On June 23 cyclists will take off from Newton, Massachusetts and begin a three day bike ride to support ALS TDI and their work toward a cure for ALS.
This week I signed up to join the ride, and we created Team Niblock – I'm in. While cycling, a recent passion over the past few years, has become difficult, I have been able to keep biking thanks to a recumbent trike. It is one of the ways I stay active - and it is really fast! The links to my page and the team page on the Tri State Trek website are below. Please join Team Niblock either in person or through your support. Riders can choose to join any of the three days, or all of them! This includes the last 9 miles, all within Greenwich, to the finish line. That is the stage that I will ride. It should be a remarkable and fun weekend! http://tst.als.net/AndrewNiblock http://tst.als.net/teamniblock |