Man moved by kindness of friends and strangers

A few weeks after Todd Smith was diagnosed with ALS, an aggressive neurological condition also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, he composed a letter of heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support.

Proud to be a Montana native Smith says he's been blessed to be able to live, work and raise a family in such a beautiful place. By trade Smith is a journeyman electrician and union member. For the last two years he'd been working for Nelson Electric on the Two Bear Project in Whitefish.

Since his diagnosis, he has been overwhelmed by the kindness he's received from those at the Evergreen Clinic, Glacier Ear, Nose and Throat, Glacier Neurological, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, and the many physicians and health-care professionals who have cared for him during this tough time.

His hat is also off to those talented craftsmen with whom he's worked on the Whitefish Two Bear Project - LaChance Builders, MMKA Security, Master Plumbing Carson Brothers, Signature Systems and finally to his co-workers and supervisors at Nelson Electric - especially Chris Larson, Barry Nelson, Paul and Mike.

The guys at work are pitching in to send Smith and his 14-year-old son, Lance, to Alaska at the end of the month to do some salmon and halibut fishing. Smith's wife, Kathy, says her husband loves to fish and this experience will fulfill his lifetime dream.

"I cannot express how much your generosity has touched my heart," he writes. "Thank you all so very much."

The two will have five glory days of floating the rivers and fishing in the ocean.

The Smiths have encountered some difficult times this past year. Kathy had heart surgery last fall to replace a valve and was also treated for an aortic aneurysm.

Smith thanks his wife and kids, Tonya, Mike, Danille, Allison, Lance and his "sis" Celia. He writes, "Thank you for touching my life and heart in a way that only family can."

" I believe that genuine, honest, hardworking and good-hearted people like these are a big part of the reason our state and especially the Flathead Valley are known as 'the last best place,'" he writes. "Thank you for all your prayers, concern and support, Flathead friends and neighbors - and Godspeed to you all."

Approximately 5,600 people are diagnosed in the United States with ALS each year, and it is estimated that 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time.

The ALS Association is the only national nonprofit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS, covering research, patient and community services, public education and advocacy.

Its mission is to find a cure and improve the lifestyle of those with ALS.

To find out more, log on to www.alsa.org; write to the ALS Association, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301-5104; or call 818-880-9007.