Jay’s Story

During May 2014, I won a Popular Science Invention Award, celebrated my wife’s 37th birthday, went indoor skydiving to celebrate my daughter’s 7th birthday, and was diagnosed with ALS.

Lou Gehrig famously said during his farewell speech that he was “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” I always thought that was just a positive spin on receiving a terminal diagnosis. But now I get it. I have a blessed life. The company I founded, Livid Instruments, just celebrated 10 years in business and we are finally enjoying the success of all of our hard work. I am surrounded by an amazing, large and loving family and have amassed some of the best friends a person could ask for, both old and new. This year I will celebrate 11 years of marriage to my best friend, Missy Mekosh, and have two of the greatest little girls (Loghan 7, Peyton 4) that a Dad could ask for. So I get it Lou, I too feel like the luckiest man alive.

I’ve been dealt this hand and I am playing to win. Since being diagnosed I’ve continued to wakeboard with my friends, go camping with my kids, ride off-road motorcycles, started a new form of martial arts and don’t plan to stop anytime soon (follow my Facebook page for proof!). I will continue to take my company into new markets and become a better father, husband, boss, son, and friend. ALS isn’t an incurable disease it’s an underfunded disease. With proper funding, research, and treatment, the thousands of soldiers, athletes, fathers, mother, sons, and daughters diagnosed with this disease won’t have to die with it. I plan to change that, I know I can.

If you’re reading this, you may feel the urge to be sad, angry, or have pity. Please don’t be sorry. I’m not and you shouldn’t be. I’ve taken this time to reflect on how much love I have in my life and it’s made me happier than I’ve been in years. Take this time to reflect on your life and be thankful for what matters most. Please take a moment to help us end this disease. Finding a cure is up to us. I plan on being around for the cure of this disease. Thank you for taking part in my journey.