Each Tuesday, The Citizen features a health professional from the

Finger Lakes community in The Banks: This week, we spotlight Donna Mott-Lang, executive director of the ALS Association of Upstate New York Chapter.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A. At the end of every day, I hope I made someone's life a little easier and they have some glimmer of hope. Also that I make them aware that they're not alone.

Q. What is the most challenging?

A. People aren't aware of this disease. It's challenging to get word out because this disease is more prominent than they realize.

Q. What is the biggest obstacle people with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) face?

A. Losing their ability to be independent.

Q. When you're sick, would you want someone like you to be your doctor?

A. No, because I'm a person who would go home and crawl under the sheets and wait for it to pass.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you could give someone to stay healthy?

A. Sleep.

Q. What's the most common misconception you hear from patients?

A. That it's curable or you can take a pill and relieve the symptoms.

Q. If you weren't in the health care field, what career or field would you do?

A. I'd like to be a full-time mom, if that's a career. But I really can't picture myself doing anything else.

Q. For someone considering a career like yours, what advice would you offer?

A. You can't cure this disease, but if you can go home every night knowing that you've helped at least one person, you've done your job.

Q. What's your ideal cure for the common cold?

A. Chicken soup.

Q. What is your favorite medical TV show?

A. “Grey's Anatomy.” I just like the characters and the story.

Q. Despite being in the health care field, people would probably be surprised that when I'm off the job, I _________.

A. Love to bake.

Donna Mott-Lang

Hometown: Auburn

Family: Husband, Steven; daughter, 7 months; five sisters

Occupation: Executive director, ALS Association Upstate New York Chapter

Hobbies: Reading, yoga and gardening