ALS is a degenerative and terminal disease. There is no cure. It's overwhelming and scary. When I was first diagnosed, I was thinking of a February family vacation using my tax return, but I have started having weakness in my legs and hands recently and I'm not sure I can wait.  I have trouble speaking, swallowing and get fatigued easily but am grateful everyday for being as functional as I am. I feel awkward setting up a fundraiser but unfortunately I do not have the luxury of time. It sounds dramatic, but it is true.
         I would like to take a family vacation and build memories while I am still able. The sooner, the better. When I shared my diagnosis with my son, Hayden (AKA Tim), he invited Amira, my daughter, and me to go to Japan with him November 6th. He already has his airline tickets and reservations paid for so it would just be paying for Amira and me. JUST...is a big thing. But we decided to try it!
         If we can't get it all together in time, we'll have to think of a plan B, also ASAP. I have no restrictions on travel right now, except to be sure I am somewhere with modern medical facilities relatively near by. I've been encouraged by caregivers to do what I want to do now.
        I know not everyone is in a position to help. I don't ask just for myself but for my kids who are going to have to travel this rough road with me. Any help would be so appreciated, more than you could ever know!
        If you are not in a position to help financially, please feel free to pass this on, send healing energy and love, keep us in your thoughts and prayers and maybe educate yourself about ALS.
     http://www.alsa.org/about-als/what-is-als.html
      Thank you for even reading this! 
         Donna (and Hayden & Amira) Grzywacz