Woman Veteran’s Final Wish Comes True

She is currently receiving care while on hospice at the Aleda E. Lutz VAMC. Beth was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), in 2023. She noticed her first symptoms early that spring when stepping off a curb and her knee buckled. ALS is a progressive neurological disorder resulting in loss of muscle control, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

“Beth has given so much to our country and continues to inspire other Veterans, staff and anyone else who meets her,” stated Recreational Therapist, Heidi Nadobny, CTRS, CBIS. “Watching her bravely navigate this difficult stage of her life, I found out she has a wish remaining on her bucket list, to get two personalized tattoos, which were drawn by her daughter and her daughter’s father.” 

This Friday, July 26, 2024, at 12:30 p.m., local business, Drunken Monkey Tattoo, offered to cover the cost of the tattoos and STARS Lift will be transporting Beth to receive her wish. The shop is located at 2131 N. Center Rd., Saginaw, MI. “I am excited to announce this special moment for Beth, who agreed to share her story. Beth is extraordinary, and I am grateful to be part of her journey,” shared Ms. Nadobny. 

The Aleda E. Lutz VAMC in Saginaw, Michigan operates an 81-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation Community Living Center. It provides care to over 40,126 Veterans in a 35-county geographic area, from mid-Michigan to the Mackinac Bridge. Veterans can also receive care at one of our nine VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics located throughout Michigan. More information about this VA can be found at www.va.gov/saginaw-health-care/.

Tara Scheuer, Public Affairs Officer

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