Ragnar says he used to work too much. Before his ALS/MND diagnosis, he helped to create popular Swedish shows such as Stockholm Live, The Athlete’s Gala and The Angry Carpenter as a director and producer.
In 2017, Ragnar was running to catch the bus when he suddenly lost control of his right foot. Later that same year, he was told he had ALS/MND, and would eventually lose the ability to speak and move.
To stay ahead of losing his voice, Ragnar consulted with a Speech and Language Pathologist at the hospital who specialized in ALS/MND. When it became clear to her how much Ragnar valued his sense of humour, she encouraged him to try message banking, which allows people to preserve unique slices of their personality. Ragnar recorded hundreds of sayings and jokes in his own voice, so that he could later use them with a communication aid.
When it came time to learn how to use a device, an assistive technology service provider sent a technician to Ragnar’s home to help him and Helene with the initial setup. He still visits Ragnar to support him to this day.
By 2020, Ragnar had started to use a power chair to move around, and in 2022, he lost his voice. During that span of time, a Swedish television network began filming a documentary about his experience with ALS/MND that showcases how assistive communication has helped him continue to brandish his signature wit. Watch the full documentary on TV4 Play: Humor till sista andetaget. Translated title: “Humor to the last breath.” (A subscription is required to watch, but it is free to register.)