I recently hosted the online event ‘Funny Moments: Finding Humor in ALS’
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Earlier this month, I played host to a two-week online event in the ALS News Today Forums: “Funny Moments: Finding Humor in ALS.” I was anxious about it and wondered if members would even bother to participate.
Boy, was I wrong.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s back up.
The event sprang from a simple truth: ALS patients and caregivers frequently encounter ironic, absurd, and humorous situations when the so-called real world meets ALS. With this event, we wanted to offer a special space for members to share those moments.
As its host, it would be my job to keep the conversation flowing. In the event that things went quiet, I’d spent the weekend before it collecting a few funny stories of my own. As it turned out, I didn’t need to worry. Our members were eager to share their own experiences every single day throughout the two weeks.
Each morning, I’d log on to catch up on the previous night’s postings. Many had me giggling right along with everyone else. I soon discovered that having a simple belly laugh in the morning helped the rest of the day flow a little more smoothly.
I imagined each person stepping onto a virtual stage, complete with ramps and handy grab bars, and speaking into a microphone. Reading their stories has been a joy, and more importantly, it helped me realize something important: I’m not the only one these oddball things happen to.
There were tales about wacky walkers, tipsy power wheelchairs, and well-meaning but confused bystanders. Some shared how a voice affected by ALS led others to treat them as if they were hard of hearing. Others told of motel rooms that weren’t quite as accessible as advertised. The list went on and on.
We know that laughter has health benefits, but it’s worth repeating. According to Mayo Clinic expert and oncologist Edward T. Creagan, laughing can alleviate stress by decreasing hormones like epinephrine and cortisol, the same hormones that play a role in anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
A few months ago, I wrote about asking my computer’s AI to write a short, funny limerick about having ALS. It refused, offering a stiff “No” with the explanation that it couldn’t create humorous content about such a serious, sensitive topic. It also told me that making light of this debilitating disease could be hurtful and disrespectful.
Ha! The success of our “Funny Moments” event proved AI was dead wrong. ALS is indeed a serious condition, but finding humor in frustrating situations isn’t disrespectful; it’s a powerful, positive coping strategy for us all.
I invite you to join the forum today. Together, we can find connection, support, and maybe even a much-needed laugh. Let’s lighten the burden of living with ALS, one funny story at a time.
Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.
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This site is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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