Former ABC7 anchor battles debilitating disease

May 31, 2006 (WLS) -- ABC 7 anchorman John Drury retired four years ago. Only a few months later the first signs of ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease began to appear. Since then, John has been in a long battle against the condition that slowly incapacitates every muscle in the body.

John Drury -- who was one of the top news anchors in Chicago for over 40 years - is dependent on home medical care, which is very expensive.

Ann Drury -- the wife of retired ABC 7 anchor John Drury -- is taking care of John at home. Ann -- who understands the joys and difficulties that are involved in caring for someone -- attended the Care Giver Expo 2006 - which was held at Drury Lane in Oak Brook on Wednesday. It is a convention for those businesses that specialize in giving home care and for those who are home care givers themselves.

"I am extremely fortunate that I have lots of help. And I don't know who the people do it and they do it, alone. Taking care of people that have these catastrophic illnesses," said Ann Drury during the convention.

John can't speak anymore and he does spent most of his time in bed, but sometimes he takes the controls of his wheelchair and heads for a few laps around the house.

For Ann Drury, home care has been rewarding but also unbelievably expensive.

"We were told it would be about $350,000 a year and that is just the nursing costs," said Ann Drury.

Insurance doesn't cover all that much.

John is hanging in there. His spirits are high, his brain is bright and his sense of humor is sharp. He typed out this message on his computer voice for ABC7's Frank Mathie that said, "Welcome to our house, Frank. You are always welcome. I watch you every day. You are delightful."

John asks if we can help put an end to this disease by contacting the Brain Research Foundation at the University of Chicago. The phone number is (773) 834-6750.

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