ALS awareness advocate dies

CAPE ELIZABETH – Darcy Wakefield, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and went on to advocate for public awareness of the terminal illness, has died.

Wakefield died Saturday at her home. She was 35.

Wakefield was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, two years ago. As her physical condition deteriorated, her impact on the community grew as she advocated for awareness.

She wrote stories, essays and two books, and appeared on Maine Public Radio and National Public Radio. Her book, “I Remember Running: The Year I Got Everything I Ever Wanted – and ALS,” earned national praise after its publication in October.

Her partner, Dr. Steve Stout, said Wakefield’s work touched people with and without ALS. Stout and Wakefield have a 15-month-old son.