DOLLARS 4 DERRICK 2 DEFEAT ALS

Many of you are aware that my life-long BFF/sister's husband, Derrick Hatcher, has been diagnosed with ALS. While we (the framily) are all hoping to find the doctors sorely mistaken, we are also preparing for the possibility that this is reality. For those of you who do not know, this is the other name for Lou Gehrig's disease. Essentially, it is a motor neuron disease that causes progressive ascending weakness of the muscles. 

Derrick is following all advice that we come up with; however silly, absurb or painful. He is amazingly strong, human and acutely aware of the potential outcomes. He is working very hard in physical therapy; actually treating this as his job since he is not able to work due to the progressive weakness caused by the disease process. He is volunteering for any studies they will allow him to participate in to help not only himself, but others in the future. 

Unfortunately, they do not pay him to go to PT or all of the doctor appointments. Medical and life bills are starting to pile up which is adding to their overwhelming stress. We hope to alleviate some of the financial burden through this venture. We have poignant conversations about life, from the trivial to ethereal, which are not very different from the ones we've always had! I would challenge anyone who meets Derrick to NOT LOVE HIM. I know we all do. 

We will be immensely grateful for any support you can provide. We will make every penny count and go as far as possible to help Derrick & Beth in his efforts to defeat this devastating disease. 

Thank you all!