True love is something we all seek out. Steve and Hope Dezember had that kind of love. The couple knew they were meant for each other after their first date in 2011. Steve treated Hope to a candlelit dinner complete with romantic music! Hope couldn’t help but fall head over heels! But, she noticed that Steve struggled to open a bottle and was trembling.
Image Credit: Hope4Steve / Facebook
Steve explained that he had seen seven doctors to try and figure out what was going on. Not one of the doctors he saw was able to diagnose him – until four months later.
Image Credit: Hope4Steve / Facebook
Steve, 28, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. There is no cure.
Image Credit: Hope4Steve / Facebook
ALS is a gradually developing neurodegenerative condition that affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. Patients with ALS will slowly lose the ability to walk, move, and speak. Nearly half of the patients with ALS will die within 3 years of their diagnosis.
Image Credit: Hope4Steve / Facebook
Steve’s future was grim. Once Steve found out he had ALS, he told Hope and said he didn’t want her to feel she had to stay with him.
Image Credit: Hope4Steve / Facebook
Hope didn’t go – and in fact, they got married two months later! They took a long trip across the US for their honeymoon.
Image Credit: Hope4Steve / Facebook
In January 2013, Steve could no longer talk. The couple returned home to Georgia, Steve lost 65 pounds and his appearance dramatically changed.
Image Credit: Hope4Steve / Facebook
Steve and Hope started the “Drive,” a project that allows Steve to paint and pay for his medical bills. Follow the Facebook page, “Hope For Steve” to keep up with this amazing couple.
Image Credit: Hope4Steve / Facebook
Share away, people.