She laughed at husband’s ‘clumsiness’, but it was serious — now they’re spreading awareness

A devastating diagnosis changed everything for Allie Coultas and her husband, Eric.

What started as a funny Instagram moment—Allie laughing at what she thought was Eric’s clumsy workout move—turned out to be something more serious.

That seemingly lighthearted video captured one of the earliest signs of a rare neurological disease that would soon turn their world upside down.

Shortly after, Eric was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and terminal illness.

The difficult journey after a devastating diagnosis

Speaking with Newsweek, Allie, 35, described the emotional toll of watching her husband’s body change in ways they couldn’t yet explain.

“Laughing because I thought he was incredibly uncoordinated in this move, not because he was two months away from a terminal diagnosis,” she captioned the video.

She recalled how Eric had tried a lunge jump from her workout. He asked if he was doing it right. Allie responded no, and then recorded a clip showing him how off his movements were.

At the time, they thought nothing of it. But that moment would later become a symbol of the silent beginnings of ALS.

More signs followed. When Eric prepared for a run, he felt strange and unsteady. He pushed through, hoping it would pass. But during one run, he fell and couldn’t finish.

Looking back, Allie realized these early symptoms were caused by clonus and spasticity, both linked to ALS.

How they faced the reality of a rare neurological disease

Eric was just 33 when doctors gave him the devastating diagnosis. He is now 38.

Since that day in 2020, the couple’s life has changed dramatically.

Living with ALS has brought loss and uncertainty. Once an active athlete and motorcyclist, Eric has had to let go of many things he loved.

Allie said the diagnosis felt like the ground had been ripped out from under them. They had to let go of the life they once imagined and mourn the future they expected.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” she shared.

Still, amid the grief, they found a new purpose—focusing on what they still have, instead of what was taken away.

Spreading ALS awareness through art and connection

Despite the struggles, Eric has channeled his energy into creating something powerful.

He began using 3D printing to build portraits of people living with ALS and those lost to the disease.

His project, “Flickering Souls: Illuminating ALS,” is a deeply personal way to raise ALS awareness and honor those affected.

“It feels like his life’s work and what he’s been called to do in order to raise more awareness for this terrible disease,” Allie said.

His art brings light to the emotional side of ALS and reflects both suffering and strength.

A new routine and a stronger purpose

Allie and Eric now live life more intentionally.

They’ve learned to find joy in smaller moments and reframe their definition of “normal.”

Although Eric’s abilities have changed, his creativity and determination continue to grow.

Allie shared that before the diagnosis, she was overwhelmed and scared. She feared that life as they knew it was over.

But time taught her a different truth—life continues, even with ALS. It looks different but still holds love, meaning, and beauty.

A message of hope for others facing a devastating diagnosis

Today, Eric’s story is not just about loss but resilience, creativity, and courage in the face of a rare neurological disease.

Their journey highlights the emotional reality behind a devastating diagnosis, while also showing that hope and purpose can still bloom in the most unexpected ways.

You can follow Eric’s work and mission on Instagram.

Here’s Allie’s viral Instagram video of Eric before the devastating diagnosis:

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