Living While Dying: An ALS Story

Minnesota Public Radio

Bruce Kramer lived a remarkably rich life because of – not despite – an incurable, always fatal disease: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was diagnosed with ALS December 6, 2010. While the disease diminished his body, it expanded his life and spirit. He shared that experience with Minnesota Public Radio News host Cathy Wurzer over nearly five year of conversations.

  1. 07/27/2016

    Songwriter finds inspiration in MPR series on Bruce Kramer

    Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Anna Schulze was so touched by the "Living While Dying" series that she wrote "Don't You Fade Away," featured on her new album "Pickford Market."

    7 min

  2. 04/08/2016

    31. Saying goodbye

    As Bruce Kramer's life nears its end, friends and family gather at his bedside to say goodbye. Cathy Wurzer shares her thoughts on the experience.

    14 min

  3. 03/11/2016

    30. Tipping point

    As ALS continues to diminish his physical capacity, Bruce Kramer considers when his condition will reach a tipping point. Bruce and his wife Ev rethink Bruce's end of life directives.

    16 min

  4. 01/22/2016

    29. A love story

    Bruce Kramer and his wife Ev Emerson discuss how they fell in love and how their relationship evolved through marriage and ALS.

    14 min

  5. 01/08/2016

    28. Honesty

    The choir that he once directed visits Bruce Kramer's home at Christmas. He appreciates the frank and honest conversations he can have with friends and family as the end of his life approaches.

    10 min

  6. 12/24/2015

    27. Focus

    Bruce Kramer says ALS helped him focus on what is important in life: love and relationships. He also talks about a device he's been using that helps him breathe and the decision to enter hospice.

    24 min

  7. 12/11/2015

    26. Leadership

    Bruce Kramer taught leadership ethics at the University of St. Thomas. He talked to students about how his training as a leader helped him adjust to life with ALS.

    8 min

  8. 12/04/2015

    25. Being tested

    Bruce Kramer is tired of having the progression of his ALS measured with a number. He has embraced living in the moment.

    19 min
See All (29)

4.3
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Bruce Kramer lived a remarkably rich life because of – not despite – an incurable, always fatal disease: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was diagnosed with ALS December 6, 2010. While the disease diminished his body, it expanded his life and spirit. He shared that experience with Minnesota Public Radio News host Cathy Wurzer over nearly five year of conversations.

Information

  • Creator
    Minnesota Public Radio
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2016
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 American Public Media
  • Show Website
    Living While Dying: An ALS Story

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