LuAnn’s Story

LuAnn passed away before she could write down her story, so it’s up to us to speak it for her.

LuAnn was the only child of the late Gladys and Mike Weber (Art’s brother). Unfortunately, Mike passed tragically when LuAnn was 10, so she never knew if he would have been symptomatic with ALS.  LuAnn married Gary Vandenberg and had three children and several grandchildren.  LuAnn worked as an RN in the Labor and Delivery unit for 30 years.  She began to have trouble with arm strength and functional overhead activities.  Knowing her family history, she sought out care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  This eventually led to her diagnosis of ALS in 2014.   After LuAnn was diagnosed, she stayed in close contact with her cousins and got involved with ALS fundraisers to fight for a cure for future generations.

LuAnn and Gary moved to Minnesota in 2018 to be close to their children/grandchildren.  They built a handicap accessible home on a lake (their dream) and LuAnn continued with her care at the Mayo Clinic. LuAnn was cared for day in and day out by her loving husband of 45 years.  Gary did everything for her, and she couldn’t have asked for a better partner to go through life with. 

Our family and extended family will continue to collaborate to fight for a cure for ALS.  We are optimistic about NexGen and the amazing efforts of Weill Cornell.  Through pivotal scientific breakthroughs and advances in medicine we are full of hope and grace.  With so many ALS angels that have fought before us we will continue to carry the torch.

 Amy, Justin and Krista (LuAnn’s three children)