My name is Victor Peña, and this is my diagnosis story:

On October 31, 2023, after months of questions, tests, and countless doctors’ appointments, I was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement and breathing. As these neurons degenerate and die, they stop sending messages to the muscles, causing them to weaken, twitch, and waste away. At this moment, there’s no cure or effective treatment and the life expectancy is between 2-5 years.

I was familiar with the disease, since is named after a baseball player. The day of diagnosis was filled with fear, shock, and uncertainty about what the future would hold.

After taking a few days to process the diagnosis, my partner—now my wife, Pamela—and I made the decision to take action. Through her connections in healthcare, we immediately sought second and third opinions at different hospitals. Unfortunately, all three evaluations confirmed the ALS diagnosis.

From that moment on, we committed ourselves to becoming informed, continuing the fight, and still moving forward with our life plans.

What I’ve Done Since My Diagnosis:

Between 2023 and today, I have pursued every possible option to help slow the progression of this disease. Below are some of the efforts I’ve made and the reasons behind this GoFundMe:

• I enrolled in a clinical trial that I truly believe helped me significantly. Unfortunately, the trial ended about a year ago. During that time, I had to take weekly cab rides costing approximately $150 per day for several months.

• We invested in alternative therapies, including:

• Red light therapy ($2,000)

• A BEMER mat to support blood circulation ($4,000)

• Biomodulators to support the body’s natural electrical charge ($8,000)

• scenar therapy, send direct electrical charge to targeted muscles ($3000).

• Therapies I benefited from but had to stop due to cost:

• Physical therapy twice a week ($100 per session + cab rides)

• Far infrared sauna twice a week ($90 per session + cab rides)

• I take approximately 10 different supplements, totaling about $400 per month.

• Prescribed by the ALS team at Mass General in Boston, I take two B12 injections per week (25,000 units each), which cost about $350 for a two-month supply.

Current Needs:

As my mobility has declined—particularly in my arms—we have had to modify our home to accommodate my needs. At this stage, I require 24/7 assistance, and part of the funds raised will go toward hiring a home aide to help support my daily care.

This journey has placed a tremendous financial burden on my family and me.

How This GoFundMe Helps:

This GoFundMe will help ease that burden and allow me to focus my energy on continuing this fight, caring for my family, and striving toward the best future possible despite this diagnosis.

Also, we’re considering the possibility of stem cells therapy for me to try as it has been reported to be promising in some cases. This is costly because it would be done in another country outside of the US and the treatment itself ranges between 10k-40k. We’re still determining where a trusted place to go.

Although ALS is considered terminal, I remain faithful and believe that God can restore and deliver me. From the bottom of my heart and soul, I ask that you please continue to keep me in your prayers—they have been essential in helping me stay strong through this journey.

If you are able to donate, share this page, or lift my family and me up in prayer, it would mean more than words can express. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps ease this journey and allows me to continue fighting with hope and faith.

With immense gratitude,

Victor