How Lou Gehrig's life inspired me to fight for Prop. 50

Deadly cuts to research show why California must help Democrats regain control of the federal government

- KEVIN J. MORRISON GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

Associated Press ELEANOR AND LOU GEHRIG in 1936. He died in 1941 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

I HAVE ALS, an incurable and fatal disease. There’s a good chance I will die within a few years.

But my spirit feels optimistic. My game is in the middle innings — lots of time left.

Baseball is an apt metaphor because ALS is “Lou Gehrig’s disease.” The legendary New York Yankee died from it. Despite his condition, he told his fans, “I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

He was fortunate to make a living playing baseball. As a former semipro player, and as a lifelong fan of the game, I realize how magical that was.

But I also wonder: Was Gehrig feeling hopeful about beating ALS?

I know I am. I walk with a limp and speak with a slur, but in the grand scheme of things, I feel fortunate — and weirdly hopeful.

I'm hopeful that the cure for ALS is around the corner, despite the Trump administration's unfortunately successful efforts to dismantle the U.S. medical research establishment.

I’m hopeful, too, because my health crisis has brought unexpected blessings. As a lifelong liberal whose family is proudly MAGA, I gave up on the notion of quiet discussions about politics. My condition changed that.