I guess everyone needs a little help from time to time.   While I have been able to make ends meet over the past few years, I have never been comfortable or able to escape the stress my financial situation is causing me.  I am a 43 year old divorced father of two young boys.  While the help I hope to receive will help keep us in our home, it will also benefit two other young boys and their mom.   My ex wife and I are raising 3 children, who suffer from Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy.  It is the most prolific child killer in the world, and has a mortality rate of 100%.   We don't live together, but are hoping to change that.   While finances are the biggest deterent, raising our children apart makes absolutely no sense. 

         I was a structural steel foreman and welder.  I spent eighteen years in my trade prior to Matthew's diagnosis.  With his rapidly declining strength, I was left with few options.   I could never put my son in a care facility, so I have made his care my job.   The result has been a 50K reduction in yearly  income.  Just last week, my benefits were reduced even further, by 200.00 a month.     Currently,  I owe rent, electric, storage, a loan, and cable.  If I don't get things caught up soon, the boys and I will be facing eviction.   Our car is barely making it.  Transmission and tires are in desperate need of attention.  Several more trips out of town to specialists are coming up, and more personal equipment is needed.   We desperately need a van or a lift system that will help us transport the wheelchairs. 

         I am losing my son...that in itself is almost more than I can handle.  The additional stress and guilt I feel is staggering.  Our hourglass is not very big and I am running out of time.   If I am able to reach my goal, we will be able to find a bigger place..  Currently, I have to carry Matt from the hall to the bathtub.  His wheelchair wont fit through the doors and he struggles to get around this 500 sq ft apartment..   At 135lbs, it is becoming very dangerous, especially for him and his weakness in his shoulders.

       I am almost embarrassed that I have to ask for help, but I know people care.  I just had to face the reality that I just can't get over this hump without a boost.   If you cant help, I understand, and my heart goes out to you.  Things are very hard for alot of us.  Thank you for reading this and please keep praying that a cure will come someday for Muscular Dystrophy.   Never get too comfortable..always find time to hug your children.