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College president with ALS sets daily goals
Article published April 4, 2006
Copyright ©2006 Hattiesburg
American
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By Jeannie Peng
Larry Kennedy, president of William Carey College, announced in January he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
More commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It causes a break in the communication between the muscles and the brain. The degeneration eventually leads to death.
Despite his illness, Kennedy, 63, said he will continue to live day-by-day and set personal and institutional goals for the betterment of William Carey College and its students.
Q: Was your diagnosis unexpected or were you having problems for a long period of time?
A: I noticed fasciculations (twitching) in my left thumb in April of last year and that prompted me to see a series of medical specialists. In late July, it was confirmed I had ALS.
Q: What are your thoughts on being a public figure with Lou Gehrig's disease?
A: When something like this happens, you cannot help but ask, 'Why me?' We wouldn't be human if we didn't ask that question. However, constantly asking that question causes us to only look backward. I learned many years ago that it is far better to ask, 'What can I learn from this experience and how do I go on from here?'
Q: What community support have you seen since your diagnosis?
A: The outpouring of support and encouraging gestures to my family and me have been amazing. From Mississippi and many other states I have received remarkable signs of friendship. The Carey trustees have been my biggest supporters and have made this situation easier for me in many ways.
Q: Is there a similarity between rebuilding your college after Hurricane Katrina and rebuilding your life after your diagnosis? What is it like dealing with both issues?
A: Katrina interrupted the daily lives and dreams of countless thousands. Likewise, ALS interrupted my life and goals. Handling both has been a daunting challenge which has caused me to claim my faith in abundance and set daily priorities more than ever.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I live day-by-day in faith knowing that I serve a heavenly father who knows all of my needs and the desires of my heart. I continue to serve with outstanding trustees, faculty, staff and students.
Created: May 19, 2006 Updated: June 12, 2006