"Fight for Mike" - ALS

In August 2013, Mike Hamilton, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Put simply, the muscles in his body will weaken until he can no longer move on his own, including swallowing and breathing. For Mike, it started in his legs. For others, it can start in the arms or the face. Most ALS patients sacrifice quality of life by using respirators and feeding tubes near the end to spend a little more time with family. The typical ALS patient dies within 2-5 years of their diagnosis.

Mike has 4 children, Jennifer, Samantha, Stephanie, and David. Mike also has 2 grandchildren, Christopher and Sophia. Mike will never walk any of his daughters down the aisle. He will not get to see his grandchildren graduate high school. He may not even get to see his son graduate from UofL 3 years from now. All Mike can hope for is to spend as much quality time as possible with his family.

According to the ALS Foundation, the financial cost to families of persons with ALS is exceedingly high.  It is estimated that in the advanced stages, care can cost an average of $200,000 a year, most of which is not covered by insurance or Medicare. Patients' and relatives' entire savings are quickly depleted because of the extraordinary cost involved in the care of ALS patients.

The family is raising money to make house modifications and to help with Mike’s care during his journey with ALS. Right now, Mike can still use his upper body to get around in his wheelchair, but he is starting to show signs of weakness in his arms. Due to the nature of this disease, and the fact that it progresses at a different rate in every individual, we do not know how long it will be before he becomes totally paralyzed.