Facing Crippling Disease, Teacher Continues to Always Laugh and Smile

"Always Laugh and Smile" has become a mantra for  kindergarten teacher Kerry Ann Engdahl.

Engdahl was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) in February and is set to lead a team named Always Laugh and Smile at Saturday's Walk to Defeat ALS at Cantigny Parkin Wheaton. 

“I came up with that name because that is the only way to deal with ALS,” says Engdahl, a kindergarten teacher at Churchill Elementary School.

It was last summer that Engdahl began to notice her speech was changing.  

“I would ask people, ‘Do I sound funny when I talk’ and everyone said 'no,'” she recalls.

But by Thanksgiving, others did start to notice a change in her speech. After months of doctor’s visits and referrals, Engdahl got her answer in February.

“I think the hardest part was waiting,” she said. “ALS is one of those diseases that one person is not affected in the same way (as someone else). Mine started with my speech.”

Because there is no cure for this disease, Engdahl takes medications to help slow the progression. She’s also in speech therapy to help her with phrasing and concentrating when talking.

“With therapy, I can be more articulate when I talk,” Engdahl says. “ALS is a disease that’s not painful but can be annoying if anything.”

Her students at Churchill Elementary School have helped her through her diagnosis and treatment.

“No matter how tough life can be, the kids’ innocence makes you forget about the problems you have because their needs are more important,” says Engdahl, who plans to continue working part-time while undergoing treatment.

In addition to her students, Engdahl also strives to say strong for her own three young children, Jacqueline, 6, Hannah, 4, and Mya, 2.

“The kids don’t think there’s anything wrong with me,” Engdahl says. “My oldest in particular knows I go to the doctor (but I’m) not sure how much she’s really aware.

“We’re just trying to stress the importance of family and of sticking together. We’re just kind of living in the moment. Right now that’s all we can do and they can handle.”

This summer Engdahl plans to begin recording her voice so one day when she loses the ability to speak all together, a computer can talk for her using her own voice.

“I want (my children) to be able to hear my voice,” she said.

Perhaps the biggest surprise to Engdahl has been the outpouring of support from her family and friends as well as the school community and her church, St. Anne's Parish in Oswego.

More than 70 of them have signed up to be on the Always Laugh and Smile team. They also held a fundraiser at Culver’s in Oswego and sell red “Always Laugh and Smile” wristbands in the Churchill Elementary School office.

“The minute we found out (about Engdahl’s diagnosis), the staff rallied and put together meal plans to provide food and dinner for her family,” says Christine Nelson, principal at Churchill Elementary. “Knowing Kerry Anne, she is a pretty remarkable woman. She has managed to continue doing an outstanding job, retain her sense of humor and the smile on her face.”

Engdahl said the support hasn't gone unnoticed.

“I’m speechless. I think it’s the best example of unconditional love and great character. It’s hard to put into words how this makes me feel. Sometimes it makes me smile, sometimes it makes me cry.”