Skillings Family Strong

If you are not aware, on Wednesday October 16, 2019, Chris learned that he has ALS. Below is the timeline of this life altering diagnosis. For the last 2 years or so Chris has been dealing with ongoing muscle cramping and muscle twitching all over his body. Within the last 2 years he has noticed muscle wasting in his right tricep which has progressed to loss of strength in his right arm and now his hands have become affected. Even the easiest tasks much as hammering a nail, using a drill have become nearly impossible. Chris's hands have also been affected and typing on his laptop for work has been challenging as well. After years of going round and round with different doctors looking for a reason, he went into Park Nicollet asking for help to finally figure out what is wrong. The doctor actually listened to him, and all of his complaints and finally ordered an EMG (muscle test) and referred him to Neurology. He had his first EMG in July and his first appointment with Neurology in August. From there she wanted to repeat the EMG in a few weeks and see him back in follow up. Chris had the repeat EMG the end of Sept and follow up with his neurologist who stated "we think he has probable ALS." That diagnosis rocked us to our core. Obviously we knew enough about it, and knew it wasn't good. That neurologist wanted us to get in with the ALS Specialist at Health Partners in St. Paul. That appointmet was this past Weds 10/16 where it was confirmed with a 90+% certainty that Chris has ALS. We are so overwhelmed by the love and support, the meals, the messages and the prayers. We are so thankful for each and everyone of you. Obviously this journey that God has chosen for our family will be full of highs and lows, times of uncertainty, anger, and fear along with times of joy, laughter and happiness. We do not know what this diagnosis has in store for Chris, myself and our 2 kids but we will face it with grace, determination and love. As hard as it is to ask for help- we know many of you want to help. As of right now, we are just asking for prayer for healing for Chris. Prayers for strength for us all and prayers for understanding. Those who feel driven to donate financially, we thank you. We know with this journey we will face unexpected expenses of bills, medications, lost wages, accomodations for Chris as time goes on. Your thoughts, prayers and donations are all so greatly appreciated by our family and will be used to help maximize the most of all that we can give to Chris.