By By Mitch AlbomMitch Albom

Meet Morrie…• Born and raised in a poor

neighborhood in New YorkNew York• Attended the City College of New City College of New

York York to earn his undergraduate degree and the University of University of Chicago Chicago for his master’s degree and PhD

• Taught Sociology at Brandies Brandies UniversityUniversity for nearly 30 years

• Published 3 books on sociologyPublished 3 books on sociology• At age 76, he was diagnosed with

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease

Brandies University

• Located in Waltham, MA—9 miles from Boston

• A Liberal Arts school

• Schwartz taught there for almost 30 years

What is ALS?

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles.

• Eventually, all muscles under voluntary control are affected and patients lose strength and the ability to move their arms, legs, and body.

• When muscles in the diaphragm and chest wall fail, patients lose the ability to breathe without a ventilator. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years usually within 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptoms.

• The disease does not affect a person’s intelligence or brain function.

AphorismsAphorisms1. A concise statement of a principle

2. A terse formulation of a truth or sentiment

— aph·o·rist  noun

— aph·o·ris·tic  adjective

— aph·o·ris·ti·cal·ly  adverb

Examples of APHORISM

When decorating, remember the familiar aphorism, “less is more.”

Vocabulary1. Hibiscus - plant of the mallow family, grown in warm climates esp. for its

large brightly colored flowers2. Conductor - person who directs the performance of an orchestra or choir3. Biopsy - examination of tissue removed from a living body to discover the

presence, cause, or extent of a disease4. Neurological – of or relating to the study and science of brain and nerve

function5. Theology - study of the nature of God and religious belief6. Wither - become shrunken or wrinkled from age or disease7. Synonymous - having the same meaning as another word or phrase in the

same language8. Gingerly - In a careful or cautious manner9. Ambition - strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring

determination and hard work10. Humility - modest or low view of one's own importance