Living While Dying: An ALS Story

Minnesota Public Radio

4.3 (24)
SCIENCE
COMPLETE

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.

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

24 Ratings

Great

08/27/2015

paulrealh

Wow! this awsome ilove this sir please i will like to follow you.
Remarkable. Beautiful.

04/25/2021

La Carmelita

Bruce. Cathy. Ev. What beautiful shining souls you are! Bruce’s deep wisdom and bravery shine like a light in this remarkable podcast. Everyone should listen to this! Our world would benefit immensely from the teachings in this podcast. I’m thankful to Bruce and also to Cathy that I got a chance to listen.
Tough but inspiring

10/01/2015

Fullautotrader

Wow..
Amazing Wisdom

09/05/2015

euterope

I followed Bruce's story for years as it was aired live. I'm so glad it will be here for others to learn from. I was always floored by this man's wisdom, and I know I will be coming back to this again and again for lessons that I need to learn in my life, regardless of whether I am facing my own death. What a beautiful legacy for an amazing soul, to be able to offer so much comfort and guidance to others. Thanks to Bruce and his family for their generosity, and to Cathy Wurzer and my beloved Minnesota Public Radio for having the courage to do this story.

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.