Though Dr. Wendy Stuart is unable to move or eat solid foods and has immense difficulty breathing, she is still "holding faith" as she battles the disease that interrupted her fulfilling life eight years ago.
While living a healthy lifestyle that consisted of balanced meals and frequent exercise, the dentist expected to raise her two sons, run her booming business and serve in her church.
But Stuart's life changed forever when she was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2009 - a rare and incurable progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, preventing mobility and eventually leading to death.
Today, Stuart, 51, is completely dependent on her ventilator and tracheostomy tube which dangles from her throat.
Every few minutes, a suction tube has to be used in her mouth which quickly gathers saliva due to a malfunction in her salivary glands.
On some days, she is capable of eating soups and smoothies, but on most days she receives her nutrients and medications through a long tube that is connected to her tiny stomach.
The once skilled and graceful dancer can no longer point her toes.
The former beauty queen can no longer strut confidently along a runway.
The renowned dentist can no longer happily serve her patients.
The loving mother can no longer care for her children.
As the days go by and as time progresses, she fears she will lose one of the only things that she has left: Her ability to speak.
"It is scary," Stuart told The Nassau Guardian yesterday.
Her mother, Marjorie Stuart, adjusted her limp head in an attempt to show her which direction to focus her attention.
She struggled to form her words, taking long pauses and blinking slowly.
She was tired. She is always tired.
"My life has changed," she said faintly.
"This is hard, but I trust God."
She did not talk much. She said she could not talk much. Holding a conversation used to be so easy for her to do, but now uttering a few words drains her.
Along with trying to cope with the disadvantage of her illness, Stuart and her family struggle with her medical expenses -- approximately $5,600 a month.
In 2015, her insurance ran out after she used over $1 million.
Her mother, who is also one of her six caretakers, said her family meets the financial demands "simply by the grace of God".
"She gets a small check from the National Insurance Board," Marjorie Stuart said.
"I also get a check because I am a former public servant.
"Most of the money we get usually comes from the fun run/walk that her friends and loved ones host every year.
"Other than that, family members and friends usually just bless us.
"Honestly, the money comes when we need it most. God provides.
"But we can certainly use more help. It is pricey taking care of her."
After her diagnosis in 2009, doctors gave Stuart two years to live.
The vast majority of ALS patients die within five years of the onset of symptoms.
Eight years later, Stuart says her life is a testimony that God has the final say.
This Saturday, New Providence Community Church in conjuction with her family and friends will host the 3rd Annual 'Walk To Wendy' Fun Run/ Walk, beginning at 7 a.m. from Goodman's Bay to the Stuarts' residence on Sandford Drive.
The event usually brings in some $40,000. The family depends heavily on the funds to cover her medical expenses, physical therapy and to pay her care givers (one is always on duty as she requires attention and care 24/7).
Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for children.
Donations can be made at any Scotiabank branch in the account name "Dr. Wendy Stuart's Medical Expenses Fund" and account number 1009906/50385.

No high hopes for NHI
According to Prime Minister Perry Christie, the primary care phase of National Health Insurance (NHI) will begin next month.
While "somewhat excited" about the government-proposed scheme to improve healthcare in The Bahamas, Stuart's family still has a ton of questions in regards to home healthcare for those who are ill and bedridden at their homes.
"I am anxious for it," Marjorie Stuart said.
"I don't think it will lift the burden we have on us now.
"If we're being honest, it's the government.
"I think a lot of people's expectations are beyond what is to come."
She said, "It may not be anything much.
"We're not building up our hopes, especially not for something like this.
"Whatever they give will be appreciated.
"But people's expectations are too high.
"We don't know exactly what will happen in terms of our situation with me being retired and her being very ill, but we are waiting for the government to give us the details."

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