Local doctor reflects on ‘fantastic’ career after being diagnosed with terminal disease

#eastidahonews
REXBURG — A well-known doctor who has helped bring life into the world has been given an unexpected medical diagnosis that has changed his future.

John Allred, 53, has been an OB-GYN in Rexburg for 21 years at Madison Women’s Clinic where he is also a partner in the business. He has delivered thousands of babies with an estimated 3,748 being born at Madison Memorial Hospital.

“The medicine is wonderful, but it’s developing the relationships with the patients that have been fantastic,” Allred said as he reflected on his career.

Not to mention, he has worked alongside his younger brother, Matt Allred. They are 14 years apart.

“It’s been actually really fun to get to know him. He was really young when I left for college, so I didn’t know him all that well,” John said. “But we have gotten to the point that when we are doing surgery together, we talk about life because we know what to do.”

However, life for John recently changed after he got a medical diagnosis that forced him to retire at the end of September.

He and his wife of 31 years, Nanette Allred, sold their house and are moving to Utah.

“We have been seeing symptoms coming on for about a year and a half, but I wasn’t officially diagnosed until the end of September. Then, I had a confirmatory diagnosis at the University of Utah on Oct. 30,” John said.

He was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s a nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts physical function. The disease gets worse over time.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include trouble walking or doing usual daily activities, hand weakness, slurred speech, or trouble swallowing.

There is no cure.

“We were a little shocked and we were told that I would be dead by that same time next year (in September). We basically went out in the car, sat, and stared straight ahead for 20 minutes. It was kind of hard to wrap our minds around it,” John recalled of that moment with his wife.

[coldbluemm]

I'm so sorry this horrible disease has affected this wonderful man and his beautiful family.

[babycakes]

What a beautiful family! Praying for you all

[noelle]

We learned today when I took my sister to get a PET scan and a visit to her oncologist that her cancer has spread, and she’s now Stage 4 with a 5-year survival rate of 17%. She’s the most wonderful person I’ve ever known, and I’d give my life for hers in a heartbeat. Please hold those you love close because we never know when these things can happen. Say a prayer for my sister if you pray. Her name is Bonnie.

[BobbieXxoo]

I’m so very sorry! You’re family is beautiful n is forever! Lovely memories to keep till reunited in heaven!

[marcypadrta]

What a wonderful but difficult story. God bless him- and his family

[MustangSally]

Prayers for you and your family. Love and peace ❤

[lindaopperthauser]

God bless John and his lovely family💙💚💙

[auracruz]

Prayers for Dr John and his family, may he have a blessed Thanksgiving. 🦃 🙏❤❤❤ God bless all.

[chvid]

🙏🏻❤️😢 a very touching video. God bless. My sister passed quickly from ALS. I hope you have a longer life.

[fawnjenkins]

I am in tears. Thank you for your good example, John and Nanette! God bless you! I hope you find peace and joy in Utah as well as Idaho. {{{HUGS}}}

[saritaluna]

My heart goes out to this wonderful doctor. I am sending my well wishes and lots of prayers from Texas.

[melissaconnellyjones]

That’s so heartbreaking but, you have helped so many people and what an incredible legacy you have created. I hope that you will be able to enjoy every moment possible with those you love. You will never be forgotten!

[shiboof]

Blessings and comfort to this marvelous man and his loving family and friends. A life well lived.

[gmwally]

so sad. I hope he lives what time he has to the fullest.

[joannetaggart]

God bless you sir and faithful, loving family. Prayers and a hug to all. Beautiful family. ❤

[lauraeaton]

Lost a dear friend and sister in Christ to ALS. she passed away shortly after I had a hip replacement. I had a conversation gave me a lot of blessings. She and the Dr both have and had a great faith in Jesus Christ. That brings much hope.

[reaskelton]

Agree with all that has been said but also John and Nanette and family are showing us how to go forward

[kimmyjean]

God bless this beautiful family. May God give them strength and love till the end. 🙏🙏❤🙏😢

[janineschindler]

He sure sounds like an amazing person.😊❤❤

[bennycolburn]

So sorry to hear about it just keep fighting