Living With ALS
Donation protected
Our dear friend, Melissa, (You know her...that little dynamoFly Fisherman, Red Sox Fan, Watchmaker, Animal Lover and Courageous Friend of Bill...the one we count on to make us laugh with a dry,witty comment that goes right to our hearts) was diagnosed with ALS in October 2018. There are no cures for this progressive neuromuscular disease at this time; this is a terminal diagnosis.
Melissa has not been able to work for months now, and we have been told that it will be more months before disability is approved and accessible to her. There is no income at all at this time. Although the diagnosis is relatively new for someone who does not have a terminal disease, there is no time to waste.
We anticipate these immediate and upcoming expenses, including:
- daily expenses until disability kicks in
- a motorized wheelchair
- a handicapped-wheelchair accessible van
- a hospital bed
- communication devices
Melissa and her Life Partner, Susan, live on Cape Cod with their kids. Billy(a Schnauzer), Nickerson (a Bichon) and Squeak (the reluctant cat).
We who know and love Melissa are reaching out on her behalf. We think it's a miracle that this independent, capable and sometimes stubborn friend has agreed to accept help in all forms as it is revealed to her.
Her network of friends and family has a dream of financial worries not being a primary focus for her; there are other concerns that require all her energy and attention. This network is committed to updating this page with an account of how your donations have helped and supported Melissa.
Please consider joining our community of support! Any and all donations will be more than appreciated. We know she will address the challenges of ALS the way she addresses all of life; with wisdom &thoughtfulness, with grace & humor, and always, ALWAYS with gratitude, one day at a time.
Melissa has not been able to work for months now, and we have been told that it will be more months before disability is approved and accessible to her. There is no income at all at this time. Although the diagnosis is relatively new for someone who does not have a terminal disease, there is no time to waste.
We anticipate these immediate and upcoming expenses, including:
- daily expenses until disability kicks in
- a motorized wheelchair
- a handicapped-wheelchair accessible van
- a hospital bed
- communication devices
Melissa and her Life Partner, Susan, live on Cape Cod with their kids. Billy(a Schnauzer), Nickerson (a Bichon) and Squeak (the reluctant cat).
We who know and love Melissa are reaching out on her behalf. We think it's a miracle that this independent, capable and sometimes stubborn friend has agreed to accept help in all forms as it is revealed to her.
Her network of friends and family has a dream of financial worries not being a primary focus for her; there are other concerns that require all her energy and attention. This network is committed to updating this page with an account of how your donations have helped and supported Melissa.
Please consider joining our community of support! Any and all donations will be more than appreciated. We know she will address the challenges of ALS the way she addresses all of life; with wisdom &thoughtfulness, with grace & humor, and always, ALWAYS with gratitude, one day at a time.
Organizer
Gail Dress
Organizer
Chatham, MA
