For those who I have not met.... By Gabriela Harrington, RN, BSN For those of you who I have not met, my name is Gabriela Harrington and I am the Registered Nurse at the ALS Center. I joined the center in October and it is a privilege to be involved in the care of such wonderful people. I came here with a strong clinical nursing background but very little knowledge of ALS. Dr. Mitsumoto thought that it might be a good learning experience for me to attend the ALS/MND Symposium in Dublin, Ireland in December. Well, I didn’t hesitate when he suggested that, since some of you may know, I am from Ireland and this trip meant, that along with attending the symposium, I had the opportunity to see my family. It was a terrific learning experience and was fascinating to learn how all the different disciplines manage the care of their patients with ALS. I personally have a great interest in end-of–life issues and hearing from various experts in that area and how we as healthcare workers can support our patients and families in this difficult time was very informative. The discussion on hospice and how it can benefit patients and families in so many ways was enlightening. It is my goal as the RN here at the ALS Center to impart some of this knowledge to our patients and families. I hope to remove the fear that is associated with the word hospice and show how it is a wonderful service that benefits so many. It is important to remember that hospice is a service where you are guided, by professionals, through a very difficult time. Your care is a collaboration between the hospice professionals and the multidisciplinary staff here at the ALS center ensuring that you never feel abandoned. I look forward to providing you with the best care in the months ahead and as they say in Ireland: May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face And the rain fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of His hand.