It has been a tough life for Marcus Cohan, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2013. He has been living with his friend and caregiver, Paula, in the Winchester area for the past several years now as he battles the difficult disease.
While Cohan is grateful for her support, each day presents a new challenge for him. That is why a nonprofit organization called Team Gleason decided to help him. The organization works to improve the lives of people with ALS, according to WHSV.
Team Gleason contacted Cohan, asking him where he would want to go if he could go anywhere in the world. All he had wanted for the past nine years was to see his mom, who had just turned 93 and give her a warm hug.
Team Gleason makes Cohan and mom's dream reunion a reality
Team Gleason made Cohan's wish come true last month. Cohan and Paula hopped on an Amtrak and made the long 16-hour journey to Jacksonville, Florida. The two of them settled into the ocean-front hotel after the long ride, according to NBC 12.
Cohan said all he could see was the ocean from left to right. He added that they were on the top floor overlooking everything, and it was so fun to be there. The next day got even better for Cohan as his mother came by and welcomed him with open arms.
He said it was an emotional moment that will forever be etched in his mind and that he can't describe the feeling. Cohen added that it was just a wonderful, beautiful moment in his life to hold her face and see her after nine years. He explained that the meeting with his mom was tremendously overwhelming.
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Florida trip made Cohan forget he has ALS
Cohan spent some quality time with his family at the beach the entire week, with all of the members eating, drinking, and sharing laughs. He said that experience filled a void inside him, an emptiness that is now full.
It was also the first time Cohan's mom was able to meet Paula, which he said was a wonderful thing to see. He said that everyone was calling Paula a saint, which she is. He paid tribute to his friend, saying it is incredible what she does for him as a caregiver.
Cohan said that feeling the ocean breeze and being surrounded by his loved ones made him feel at peace for the first time in years. He added that he almost felt like he did not have this disease at the time, if that made any sense. He said that tranquility and peace made him not think about ALS, which is pretty awesome.
According to Mayo Clinic, ALS is a progressive nervous disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, causes loss of muscle control.
