Terry's Courageous Battle with ALS
Donation protected
Firstly we would like to say this page is created on behalf of Terry Duncombe and is written by her family.
Terry was first diagnosed with ALS May 1st, 2015. For those who don’t know what ALS is, it's also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, it’s a rapidly progressive invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscles.
This was a shock to everyone to say the least, not what anyone expected or wanted to hear. I mean how could a vibrant seemingly healthy 55 year old be struck with something so devastating. We were all asking a lot of why questions however it didn’t take long for us to turn this into well let’s make the best of this and make things as comfortable as possible for mom and live every day to the fullest.
In true fashion mom was strong from day 1, we are all amazed by her positivity, almost every doctor, health aid, basically any person she encounters comments on how positive she is and has a spirit and smile like no other and we couldn’t agree more. I mean it’s not often a top cardiologist in the United States gives you his personal cell number in case you need anything because you’ve made such a lasting impression on him. She truly is one in a million and means so much to so many people.
The ALS Society of Alberta has been great with providing us with assistance for things mom needs now like chair lifts on the stairs, a wheelchair and scooter, those are just some of the things she uses now.
It’s now however becoming difficult for us to lift her from her wheelchair into dads truck, yes he’s strong but when they get into giggling fits, which they are known to do haha, things can be a bit tricky. So for safety reasons we would like to get mom a van. We looked into Vans with Wheelchair conversions and our jaws almost hit the floor, as just the conversion kits alone can run $30,000.00 let alone the cost of a van. Unfortunately there isn’t any funding for this, which is why we have decided to create this page.
It’s not easy for us to ask for help but this disease is known as the “bankrupt disease,” we are trying hard as family to do everything ourselves and try every treatment option possible for mom but it can be difficult financially.
We have to ask of family and friends, from all over, if anyone has just a little to spare in support of Terry in her heroic battle with ALS. In thoughts and prayers, offering a hand or kind word to her, and certainly by any monetary contributions to her continuing care.
The social media trend raised record amounts of money for something that some of us did not know a lot about, we know we didn't. But this is the most direct way to help someone currently living with ALS.
We would like to thank everyone in advance for first of all taking the time to read this, and second for anything at all that they can offer to help us battle this disease with Terry.
We also know times are tough for everyone right now. We have had multiple people asking how they could help; this would be a great way to help. Any financial support that you contribute would be so very much appreciated.
Please feel free to share!
From the bottom or our hearts we thank-you!
The Duncombe family
Terry was first diagnosed with ALS May 1st, 2015. For those who don’t know what ALS is, it's also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, it’s a rapidly progressive invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscles.
This was a shock to everyone to say the least, not what anyone expected or wanted to hear. I mean how could a vibrant seemingly healthy 55 year old be struck with something so devastating. We were all asking a lot of why questions however it didn’t take long for us to turn this into well let’s make the best of this and make things as comfortable as possible for mom and live every day to the fullest.
In true fashion mom was strong from day 1, we are all amazed by her positivity, almost every doctor, health aid, basically any person she encounters comments on how positive she is and has a spirit and smile like no other and we couldn’t agree more. I mean it’s not often a top cardiologist in the United States gives you his personal cell number in case you need anything because you’ve made such a lasting impression on him. She truly is one in a million and means so much to so many people.
The ALS Society of Alberta has been great with providing us with assistance for things mom needs now like chair lifts on the stairs, a wheelchair and scooter, those are just some of the things she uses now.
It’s now however becoming difficult for us to lift her from her wheelchair into dads truck, yes he’s strong but when they get into giggling fits, which they are known to do haha, things can be a bit tricky. So for safety reasons we would like to get mom a van. We looked into Vans with Wheelchair conversions and our jaws almost hit the floor, as just the conversion kits alone can run $30,000.00 let alone the cost of a van. Unfortunately there isn’t any funding for this, which is why we have decided to create this page.
It’s not easy for us to ask for help but this disease is known as the “bankrupt disease,” we are trying hard as family to do everything ourselves and try every treatment option possible for mom but it can be difficult financially.
We have to ask of family and friends, from all over, if anyone has just a little to spare in support of Terry in her heroic battle with ALS. In thoughts and prayers, offering a hand or kind word to her, and certainly by any monetary contributions to her continuing care.
The social media trend raised record amounts of money for something that some of us did not know a lot about, we know we didn't. But this is the most direct way to help someone currently living with ALS.
We would like to thank everyone in advance for first of all taking the time to read this, and second for anything at all that they can offer to help us battle this disease with Terry.
We also know times are tough for everyone right now. We have had multiple people asking how they could help; this would be a great way to help. Any financial support that you contribute would be so very much appreciated.
Please feel free to share!
From the bottom or our hearts we thank-you!
The Duncombe family
Organizer
Erin Duncombe
Organizer
Strathcona County, AB