Support Dave's ALS Journey
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I'm David FitzPatrick and I have ALS.
I recently retired after teaching elementary, middle and high school for 42 years in Lutheran and Catholic parochial schools. Prior to my teaching career, I served in the Air National Guard and worked for U.S. Steel. Janet, my beloved wife of 37 years, and I were looking forward to our retirement. However, in April of 2016, an ALS diagnosis suddenly and drastically changed our plans. My wife Janet, left her teaching position to take care of me.
In July I had a feeding tube put in place, since I am now unable to swallow. My wife administers all my nututrion and liquid through this tube. I am currently unable to speak. I currently have to write out all my communication or use an app on my phone to "speak for me". My strength and stamina is starting to decline and I need to nap several times during the day. My muscular strength is also deteriorating, faster than we expected, and I find it increasing difficult to ambulate up and down the stairs in my split foyer home.
We are reaching out to our family, friends and community for help in offsetting the costly expenses of dealing with the disabling effects of ALS.
Adaptations will need to be made to my home, in order to maket it safe and to allow me to access the main living area. Some of the adaptations that soon need to be made to my home are: installing a stair lift, making my bathroom (espeically the shower) handicapped accessible; an outside chair/elevator lift and exit ramp. I currently have a scooter and manual wheelchair, but soon aniticipate the need for a motorized wheelchair and van to accomodate.
We have been blessed with an amazing daughter Sarah, a super son-in-law John and an adorable granddaughter, Meghan. We are also blessed with many relatives and caring friends who will help us through this difficult journey.
Like many people, we have worked hard, scrimped and saved throughout our lives, never planning on getting a catastrophic illness nor the financial burden it brings. We truly believe that God does not give us more than we can handle and are putting our trust and faith in Him to carry us through this journey.
I recently retired after teaching elementary, middle and high school for 42 years in Lutheran and Catholic parochial schools. Prior to my teaching career, I served in the Air National Guard and worked for U.S. Steel. Janet, my beloved wife of 37 years, and I were looking forward to our retirement. However, in April of 2016, an ALS diagnosis suddenly and drastically changed our plans. My wife Janet, left her teaching position to take care of me.
In July I had a feeding tube put in place, since I am now unable to swallow. My wife administers all my nututrion and liquid through this tube. I am currently unable to speak. I currently have to write out all my communication or use an app on my phone to "speak for me". My strength and stamina is starting to decline and I need to nap several times during the day. My muscular strength is also deteriorating, faster than we expected, and I find it increasing difficult to ambulate up and down the stairs in my split foyer home.
We are reaching out to our family, friends and community for help in offsetting the costly expenses of dealing with the disabling effects of ALS.
Adaptations will need to be made to my home, in order to maket it safe and to allow me to access the main living area. Some of the adaptations that soon need to be made to my home are: installing a stair lift, making my bathroom (espeically the shower) handicapped accessible; an outside chair/elevator lift and exit ramp. I currently have a scooter and manual wheelchair, but soon aniticipate the need for a motorized wheelchair and van to accomodate.
We have been blessed with an amazing daughter Sarah, a super son-in-law John and an adorable granddaughter, Meghan. We are also blessed with many relatives and caring friends who will help us through this difficult journey.
Like many people, we have worked hard, scrimped and saved throughout our lives, never planning on getting a catastrophic illness nor the financial burden it brings. We truly believe that God does not give us more than we can handle and are putting our trust and faith in Him to carry us through this journey.
Organizer
Dave Fitzpatrick
Organizer
Maryland, MD
