Tricia Denton loves lemonade.
The Maple City area woman has had a lot of lemons to work with as of late.
More than 100 people showed up for her “retirement” party late last month at the Little Traverse Inn.
“I was amazed how well it was attended,” she said. “I could feel the love in the room.”
Many of those in attendance met Denton through her involvement with Leelanau Clean Water, the Glen Lake Association, Parenting Communities, the Leelanau Community Choir and the League of Women Voters Leelanau County, was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS).
“About four years ago during COVID that I began having difficulty swallowing and slurred speech,” she said. “It was impossible to seek treatment.” In the time since, Denton has been approached by many community members and police officers questioning whether she was under the influence of alcohol.
“I haven’t drank in more than 30 years,” she said.
The Mayo Clinic describes PLS as a type of motor neuron disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain that control movement. In PLS, the breakdown of nerve cells causes weakness in the muscles that control the legs, arms and tongue.
Symptoms typically begin with balance trouble. People with PLS may move slowly and are clumsy. Over time, symptoms evolve to include having trouble with their hands and arms, followed by problems with chewing, swallowing and speaking. Less commonly, the condition may begin with problems with speaking and swallowing.
This rare condition can develop at any age, but it usually occurs between ages 40 and 60.
“I think I heard there are 500 cases nationwide and 10,000 worldwide,” she said. “It took forever to track it down.”
PLS moves slower than ALS, (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells (motor neurons) in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually death.
It can take as long as 20 years for PLS to progress and become worse. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people continue to walk, but others eventually need to use wheelchairs or other assistive devices.
For most people, adult-onset PLS isn’t thought to shorten life expectancy. But it can gradually affect quality of life as more muscles become disabled. Weaker muscles can cause you to fall, which can result in injuries.
Looking back, Denton recalls about seven years ago, strange back pain, foot pain and changes in balance. She also experienced muscle spasms and the inability to engage in yoga — a longtime occupation.
“I was doing everything to do what the doctor suggested. Eventually, I asked for physical therapy,” she said.
After exhausting all medical options locally, Denton was referred to the University of Michigan’s specialty group on neuromuscular disease.
“The thing that pushed us over the edge was me aspirating on my own saliva in my sleep.”
This concerned not only the patient, but her husband, Shawn, and children: Cecelia, 23; Thomas, 16; and Ursula, 14.
Cecelia graduated from the Leelanau School. Thomas attends the Leelanau School and Ursula, 14, attends Leland Public School.
It can take as long as 20 years for PLS to progress and become worse. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people continue to walk, but others eventually need to use wheelchairs or other assistive devices.
Most recently, Denton had a muscle spasm that caused her to fall down and break her hip.
This required surgery and intensive therapy at Mary Free Bed in Traverse City.
“I can’t say enough good things about Mary Free Bed,” she said. “They’ve taught me how to use equipment to keep me safe in the house. They are top notch.”
Denton continues to receive physical therapy. Surgery and injections with drugs such as Botox have helped with speech. But these medications are often not covered by insurance.
She hasn’t worked since April and her friend, Denise Nathe, stepped in to help, setting up a Gofundme account, seeking donations.
As of March 6, more than $10,600 of a $20,000 goal had been reached.
“I have never had a doubt about being loved and supported by my Leelanau community,” she said.
If you’d like to contribute go to https://www.gofundme. com/f/stand-with-tricia-denton- in-her-time-of-need?
