Howard Davis was born on July 31, 1950 and passed away painlessly in his sleep on November 28, 2020 as a result of the devastating effects of ALS. 

Diagnosed with the disease in 2015, Howard volunteered to participate in several clinical trials aimed at coming up with a treatment or cure.  Sadly, none of the trials medications proved to be effective, but added to the knowledge base of researchers still working to find a cure.

Throughout the progression of the disease however, Howard never lost his positive attitude and sense of humor.  This personal quality of his instilled admiration and inspiration in all who knew him. 

Howard graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in mathematics, and following graduation he embarked upon a career with Matson Navigation Company, spanning more than 40 years and during which he held various positions within the Company in Southern California.  Howard loved to travel and planned to spend much of his early retirement years “on the road” with wife Katherine.  Sadly, their plans were largely sidelined as a result of his ALS diagnosis.  But even with the limitations on his movements and difficulty travelling, he still managed to get in a cruise and several flights to visit family.

Howard was devoted to his wife, Katherine, who provided selfless, loving care to him throughout his illness.  

Katherine would like to thank Howard’s friends and colleagues, and of course the many caregivers who made things just a little bit better as he dealt with the unrelenting debilitating effects of the disease.  God bless you all.

This email from Howard addressed to some of us back in June of this year provides us with a glimpse of what a day in his life was like, and his humble gratitude for that day.

“Everyone with ALS at some point in the course of the disease will experience difficulty breathing. I find myself struggling to breathe at various times of the day.

Today was a beautiful day. A cool gentle breeze blowing. I went out on the   patio in my power chair and put my head in the rest. The breeze was cool and crisp and had the fragrance of flowers. I could breathe free and easy one    more time. I whispered a prayer thanking God for this precious gift.”

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We need to let people with ALS know they are not alone.  ALS affects more than nerve cells and muscles, it affects families, friends, co-workers, and communities. 

With no known cause or cure, ALS challenges the human spirit and tests the courage of everyone touched by this devastating disease.

However, we can work together to create a Community of Hope that restores dreams and builds courage.  Our community gives strength and hope to our loved ones, neighbors, and friends facing the fear and uncertainty of ALS.

Your gifts will make this possible.  Please click the donation button to the right and give generously.

Thank you for helping us build a Community of Hope!

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