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Support Chris and his family through his ALS fight

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In July 2019, at age 45, Chris and his family learned the devastating news that they were now faced with the challenge of adapting to a new way of life living. A life with ALS. Chris and his wife Julie have been together for over 30 years. They have 2 children, Ryan (20) who is studying computer science at Ryerson University and Rachel (18) who had just graduated high-school.  Chris has always been very active in all aspects of life between spending time with his family, playing and coaching hockey 5 nights a week and his role with Mattamy Homes which is a very physically demanding job. ALS (otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease) is an incurable disease that causes the death of neurons controlling voluntary muscles. It is characterized by stiff muscles, muscle twitching, and gradually worsening weakness due to muscles decreasing in size. It may begin with weakness in the arms or legs, or with difficulty speaking or swallowing. About half of the people affected develop at least mild difficulties with thinking and behavior and most people experience pain. Most eventually lose the ability to walk, use their hands, speak, swallow, and breathe Coping with the physical, emotional, financial and legal ramifications of an ALS diagnosis is something that most of us will thankfully never have to deal with. This is unfortunately the life Chris has now be dealt. He is no longer able to work or play hockey, his 2 passions in life.  Chris is able to coach from them bench only at this time. Long-term disability coverage and critical illness insurance are not available to Chris with an ALS diagnosis. This combined with his inability to work has left him in a financially dire situation trying to cover daily bills, medical fees and mortgage payments. Chris has always been the guy who worried about everyone else. The time has come for Chris to look after himself and he needs your help. Going forward Chris is going to need a safe and accommodated living environment. Unfortunately a wheelchair accessible house is not possible so Chris will eventually need financial support towards medical care and treatments. As he is open to the idea of clinical trials he will also have safe travel and accommodation expenses to cover. These are just a few of the challenges and financial stressors Chis will face going forward. We are asking for your help to support Chris and his family through their fight with ALS.

Organizer and beneficiary

Julie Bemelen
Organizer
Pickering, ON
Julie Tracey
Beneficiary

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