Carolyn - Living with ALS
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Carolyn Wolcott has had a huge impact on our community for over 20 years and now she needs help from all of us. Her grit and can-do attitude, in spite of her disease, is an inspiration to many.
Why We Need Your Help
Carolyn was diagnosed with ALS just over 7 years ago. Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
In spite of losing her ability to walk followed by the inability to use her arms, Carolyn has managed to help thousands in our community with a determined spirit and independent attitude. Because she lost the ability to use her index finger, her last remaining motor function, she relied on using voice and visual technology. She has continued to work until now, but with a failing voice, she cannot continue to work. This loss of income comes at a time when she needs more care than ever before. It costs loved ones an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need.
She has spent more than 15 years working on the largest major transportation projects in the region: Woodrow Wilson Bridge, 495 Express Lanes and most recently on Transform 66. Carolyn has assisted hundreds of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) to ensure their participation on these projects.
Additionally, Carolyn has been instrumental in the success of VDOT’s Career Fair introducing thousands of youth to careers in transportation. The first Career Fair was held 14 years ago with 45 exhibitors and attended by 300 students. Under her strong leadership, the 2018 Career Fair has grown to 103 exhibitors and 1400 high school students from Northern Virginia. For the last several years she has greeted exhibitors and visitors from her wheelchair.
Together we can ease her financial needs by raising funds for additional home care, medical supplies, and medications. She is respected and admired by many and now is the time for us to show her how much we care for her. Thank you for your generosity!
Why We Need Your Help
Carolyn was diagnosed with ALS just over 7 years ago. Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
In spite of losing her ability to walk followed by the inability to use her arms, Carolyn has managed to help thousands in our community with a determined spirit and independent attitude. Because she lost the ability to use her index finger, her last remaining motor function, she relied on using voice and visual technology. She has continued to work until now, but with a failing voice, she cannot continue to work. This loss of income comes at a time when she needs more care than ever before. It costs loved ones an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need.
She has spent more than 15 years working on the largest major transportation projects in the region: Woodrow Wilson Bridge, 495 Express Lanes and most recently on Transform 66. Carolyn has assisted hundreds of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) to ensure their participation on these projects.
Additionally, Carolyn has been instrumental in the success of VDOT’s Career Fair introducing thousands of youth to careers in transportation. The first Career Fair was held 14 years ago with 45 exhibitors and attended by 300 students. Under her strong leadership, the 2018 Career Fair has grown to 103 exhibitors and 1400 high school students from Northern Virginia. For the last several years she has greeted exhibitors and visitors from her wheelchair.
Together we can ease her financial needs by raising funds for additional home care, medical supplies, and medications. She is respected and admired by many and now is the time for us to show her how much we care for her. Thank you for your generosity!
Organizer and beneficiary
Carolyn ALS
Organizer
Oak Hill, VA
Carolyn Wolcott
Beneficiary
