05182011 A Caring Community Group Steps In to Make Local Man's Dream Come True

  • By Denice Rovira Hazlett
  • May 18, 2011
  • 293
                        
Summary: Larry Lang has lost the ability to speak, but through the thoughtfulness and dedication of others, he has not lost his voice. Front Page Teaser: Larry and Patricia Lang have been giving for a lifetime. They often wake at 2 AM to offer comfort and assistance to families experiencing devastating disaster. They teach life-saving gun safety, highway safety and CPR classes. They send care packages and letters to Holmes Countians serving in the military both here and overseas. They transport people to Cleveland to donate platelets for the Red Cross's award-winning apheresis program. However they serve, the husband and wife team of Larry and Pat Lang of Big Prairie are together, serving the community they love. Now, that community is turning the tables to serve the Langs as they face an unexpected crisis. Main Story: On Friday, March 13, 2009, Larry Lang of Big Prairie, assistant director of the Holmes County Chapter of the American Red Cross, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a fatal condition with no known cure affecting voluntary muscle movement. The debilitating illness normally claims lives in fewer than five years following diagnosis. Now in his third year of ALS, Larry Lang, 51, is feeling the effects of the condition that has stripped him of nearly 50 pounds of body weight, has made it difficult to eat and breathe, and has taken his ability to speak. Still, Lang continues to serve others daily. "He wants to be as normal as he can throughout this disease," shared his wife, Pat Lang. "He assists with classes and attends board meetings, runs the remote control, sets things up, and gets the mannequins out for CPR classes. During Red Cross board meetings, Larry writes down what he needs to say, and I convey it to the board." "It's as if he's a journalist every day of his life," said Larry Lang's sister, Lisa Lang, a teacher from Wooster. "He can only communicate through the tablet, journaling his dialogue. From a sister's standpoint, it's very disheartening, because he's an excellent speaker." Lisa Lang said her brother has filled an important role. "You need people who are willing to be selfless servants, to think of others before they think of themselves. Larry has done that. He's like a security blanket, making you feel safe and warm," she said, adding tearfully, "I really miss his voice." While it's true that Larry Lang can no longer talk, thanks to loved ones like his wife and sister, he has not lost his voice. In fact, through this experience, Lang has gained many new voices. Many have stepped in to support the Langs as they soldier through this challenging time. One group of caring people is hosting a benefit pancake and whole hog sausage breakfast to be held on Saturday, June 4 from 7-11 AM at the Holmes County Training Center. Part of the funds will go to help the Langs cover the overwhelming medical costs they're incurring as a result of Larry Lang's treatment. The Langs didn't have much need for their health insurance in their younger years, when co-payments and deductibles were low or non-existent. But now, because of the special equipment that Larry Lang requires just to breathe and expel carbon-dioxide from his lungs and the care of seven different doctors, the couple finds their personal finances drained and have begun turning to credit cards to pay medical bills as they arise. This has made it impossible for Pat Lang to give her husband his life-long dream--a trip to the west coast. "I wanted to go to Washington D.C. and Niagara Falls, and he saw that I got there," said Pat Lang. "We'd planned to retire together, to travel and do all of the things we've put off while teaching classes, driving bus and volunteering. That won't happen now." Pat Lang shared her husband's dream with West Holmes co-worker Julie Kick of Lakeville. Kick received her bus driver training at West Holmes from Pat Lang. Several of Kick's children spent their school years riding with Larry Lang who served as bus driver for 32 years, beginning when he was just 18. Larry Lang lost his driving job as a result of the ALS. When Kick heard about Larry Lang's dream and the couple's difficulties, she decided to take action. "I felt that something needed to be given back to Pat and Larry, to let them know that they're cared for," said Kick. Out of her organizational efforts grew an event that aims to not only help the Langs with their medical bills, but to send Pat and Larry Lang out west to fulfill Larry Lang's dream as well. With generous donations from Rodhe's IGA, Linda and Tim Feikert, who are donating a hog for sausage, and a group who will donate several hundred donuts and cream sticks, the breakfast is sure to be a delicious success. "The county commissioners and fire department will have their aprons on," said Kick, "and the Holmes County 4-H will make themed gift baskets to be sold during a silent auction." Holmes County Red Cross board chair Ray Porter said it's time that the people of the community give something back to the Langs. "They're very dedicated to the cause of helping others. They both put in numerous hours volunteering for all kinds of programs. Now is our time to help them." The event was kept a surprise from Pat Lang until it was necessary to consult her about a few details. She is overwhelmed by the love and support. "I'm flabbergasted by the whole thing. I just can't believe it's happening," said Pat Lang, who has successfully kept the secret from her husband, saying he will be made aware of the benefit upon reading this article. Pat Lang said that they are taking the challenge of ALS one day at a time. "We make all these plans, but no one knows what's going to happen tomorrow. You have to live every day the best way you know how and hope for another tomorrow." She said that Larry Lang has accepted ALS as his fate, believing that there's a bigger picture to consider. "He feels there's a reason he's going through this, and that maybe, because of it, he'll be a help to someone else." Larry Lang loves to read and would welcome cards and letters from friends, family and others. Larry Lang 6356 County Road 51 Big Prairie, Ohio 44611 Donations for the Langs' medical and travel expenses can be made at any branch of the Commercial Savings Bank or Killbuck Savings Bank. Checks should be made payable to the appropriate bank and designated FBO Larry Lang.


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