Warren mom to be honored for courageous battle with ALS

By: Melissa Randall

MRandallABC6

@MRandallABC6

On Thursday night the Rhode Island chapter of the ALS Association will host its annual

‘Evening of Hope’ at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. The event increases awareness about the disease, while raising money to help those living with it. Among them, East Bay resident Natalie Swift, who’s being honored with this years ‘Brian Dickinson Courage Award.’

It’s easy to tell who’s most important in her life. Natalie’s children’s smiling faces are proudly displayed in photographs all throughout her Warren home.

"I think I had the same reaction that a lot of people with this diagnosis would have, fear. I have 6 children and, you know, just worried about what would happen to them," said Swift.

Having to tell them she has ALS with them was one of the hardest things the now 48–year–old has ever done.

"We really did that very early on. We didn’t want them to hear from someone else. We were very open about everything," she said.

4 years ago Natalie and her husband, Neil, first noticed something was wrong. She was in nursing school at the time, and was having a tough time getting up stairs. So the couple went to the doctor to find out what was going on.

"We had asked them before we left if ALS was a possibility," Neil explained through tears.

The doctors confirmed the couple’s worst fear.

"I realized that I had a decision to make. I could either let this get the best of me, which I really couldn’t do—I mean I had a family—and I just realized I had to be strong," said Swift.

It’s certainly not the life thought they would have when they married 20 years ago. The degenerative disease has taken Natalie’s ability to walk and care for her self. Still, her faith never waivered. In fact she’s managed to stay optimistic.

" It’s difficult to in the spotlight but you know its just amazing the charity that– how people just want to help," said Swift.

Natalie says she is thankful to have the support of her ‘village’, which is made up of family, friends and the community. But as Neil explains, it’s his wife who deserves all the credit, as she courageously faces Lou Gehrig’s disease head on.

"I think she inspires many, many people—she’s just an unbelievable woman," said Neil.

Even though it may be difficult at times, Natalie makes being there for her children’s milestones a top priority. It’s only fitting that her big family will all be there Thursday night to support her as she accepts the courage award.

For more information you can visit: www.alsari.org