Douglas "DA" Anderson ALS-FUND
My name is Patricia Plummer-Mouton and I am starting this gofundme account for my son Douglas C. Anderson Jr. also known by his friends and family as "DA".
Douglas was a very active young man and played all sports in school. He attended Chester Nimitz High School and Prairie View A & M University majoring in Electrical Engneering. It was in those early years when he found the love for Music. During his Prairie View days he also started the label Full Fledge Records. Where he wrote, produce his own music as well as for others. Douglas is still a very talented young man with a heart of gold. He is a father of 5 small children ranging in age 6-10 years of age.
One day last October 2015, Douglas went to bed feeling fine and woke up the next morning with hoarseness in his voice. His voice was totally different, as if someone else was speaking through him. As time went on it progressed on into his speech, which became very slurred as if he had had a stroke. The next was his hands, he begin to lose muscle weakness in his fingers and was unable to grasp or hold anything. It soon moved to both hands. Although, at this point physicians were testing all results were coming back negative. At this point we were referred to a Neurologist in the Houston Methodist Hospital. After numerous testing again it was then confirmed on Memorial Day 2016 Douglas was diagnosed with ALS.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as the Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells. The (neurons) are responsible for controlling the voluntary muscles (muscle action we are able to control, such as those in the arms, legs, and face). The disease belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, which are characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons.
Motor neurons are nerve cells located in the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord that serve as controlling units and vital communication links between the nervous system and the voluntary muscles of the body. Messages from motor neurons in the brain (called upper motor neurons) are transmitted to motor neurons in the spinal cord (called lower motor neurons) and from them to particular muscles. In ALS, both the upper motor neurons and the lower motor neurons degenerate or die, and stop sending messages to muscles. Unable to function, the muscles gradually weaken, waste away (atrophy), and have very fine twitches (called fasciculations). Eventually, the ability of the brain to start and control voluntary movement is lost.
Although, ALS causes weakness with a wide range of disabilities Douglas is determined to fight this disease. He is not giving up. Eventually, all muscles under voluntary control are affected, and individuals lose their strength and the ability to move their arms, legs, and body. When muscles in the diaphragm and chest wall fail, people lose the ability to breathe without ventilatory support. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptoms. However, about 10 percent of those with ALS survive for 10 or more years.
We as individuals go through life never expecting to face Life Changing Experiences. Never in a million years I thought as a parent I would face something so drastic. This impairment has cause Douglas to be faced with many many physicial and mental challenges. He has limited use of his hands, his speech is impaired and he suffers on a daily basis with other difficultilies. He has also lost an excessive amount of weight.
In order for Douglas to live a productive life, it will cost thousands of dollars each year. We are asking for help to fund Douglas medical and caregivers longterm care. Monies will also go toward transportation to doctors visits, therapist, medications and other expenses to help better his care associated with this illness.
Any contributions donated to help Douglas will be greatly appreciated. Help Douglas live a productive life with his family during his fight with ALS.
Sincerely,
A Praying Mother
Patricia Plummer-Mouton
https://www.mda.org/disease/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/signs...