TV Show gives local woman with ALS freedom

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By Sabrina Rodriguez, Eyewitness News

There's a lot of work that goes into making a dream come true, but that's what Internet TV show "RV Buddies" is doing for Bakersfield couple Sandy and Kenny Oliver.

On April 1, 2004 Sandy was diagnosed with ALS also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

According to Fred Fisher, president of ALS Association Greater Los Angeles Chapter, ALS is a disease that affect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. "You lose the ability to walk, to talk, to swallow, to breathe," Fisher said of the disease's affects.

One great passion for the Olivers is traveling, but the disease made it a challenge. Kenny said there were a number of obstacles to overcome, "How you get in and out of the coach, and how do you go in and shower, and how do you get down to the table and set down and eat, and those kind of things."

That's where RV Buddies comes in.

Over the past few months, the show has renovated the Oliver's old RV to fit Sandy's needs. It's been their biggest and most expensive project to date, but they were happy to do it.

"It's been a very emotional experience," show co-host Elise Baughman said of the Oliver RV project. "But to be part of something like this it's just indescribable."

Fellow hosts Mark Summers and Robert Wittenberg agree.

"It's such a debilitating disease and she's not letting it bring her down," Wittenberg said of Sandy. "She's still living life. She's enjoying time with her family."

Summers adds Sandy's spirit is a force to be reckoned with, "She will tell you time and time again, 'I do not want a pity party. I'm here to do something with my life.'"

Even though Sandy's story has been an inspiration to those around her, she gets her inspiration from them.

"Without them, I don't think I would be here," she said.

And with some great fanfare, Sandy finally got to see her brand new, ALS-friendly RV. Judging by the smile on her face, Sandy is ready to hit the road.

"I'm going to see everything!" she said.

Kenny is also grateful for the freedom the new RV will provide. "We're going to load her up in the motor home and drive wherever we want to go, whenever we want to get there. "

In fact, they've already got their first trip planned, the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
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