Help Joe McCormack Face ALS with Mobility, Dignity, and Support

Joe McCormack spent 25 years serving the community as a Willingboro police officer. After retiring from the force, he continued working, including as a security guard at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and, for a time, as a driver.

Joe and his wife, Maureen, did everything right - they worked hard, raised a family, and saved for retirement.

On October 16, 2025, Joe was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Since then, everyday things—standing up, moving around the house, and going out—have become increasingly difficult. Maureen is his primary caregiver, helping him through the daily challenges of a disease that continues to take away his strength and independence.

They saved for a modest retirement. They did not plan for the financial demands of ALS.

We are raising funds to help Joe get the equipment, transportation, and care he needs, while protecting Joe and Maureen from exhausting their limited savings.

What your donation will help provide:

A wheelchair-accessible van. Joe and Maureen have always loved the open road—from long road trips to a Sunday afternoon drive, just because. A van would help them get to medical appointments, spend time with family, and continue enjoying something that has brought them happiness throughout their married life.

Power-wheelchair expenses and other essential equipment. Joe has been fitted for a specialized power wheelchair. Donations will help with necessary features, equipment, and related expenses that insurance does not cover.

A ramp to get safely in and out of their home. Even the small step at their front door becomes a major barrier when using a power wheelchair. A suitable ramp would give Joe safe access to the world beyond his home.

Care and support as his needs grow. Funds will also help with personal caregiving, home accessibility changes, and other costs arising from Joe’s ALS. As the disease progresses, the need for help—and the expense of providing it—will grow.

The Costs Will Continue

The power wheelchair, accessible van and entrance ramp are Joe’s most immediate needs, but they will not be the last. As ALS progresses, families often face substantial additional expenses for personal caregivers, home modifications, transfer equipment, specialized beds, communication technology, backup power and everyday medical and personal-care supplies.

Health insurance may cover certain medically necessary equipment, but approval is not guaranteed and deductibles, copayments and uncovered features can still leave significant expenses. Other essential needs—including an accessible bathroom, widened doorways, vehicle modifications, household help and ongoing personal care—are generally not covered by Medicare-based insurance.

Paid caregiving is likely to become the largest continuing expense. Current home-care rates are approximately $35 to $42 per hour. Even 20 hours of assistance each week could cost $36,000 to $44,000 per year; full-time care could cost $73,000 to $87,000 annually.

Additional home-accessibility work may cost thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Transfer equipment and ceiling lifts can cost $1,000 to $10,000 or more, while an accessible-bathroom conversion may range from approximately $5,000 to more than $30,000. Backup power may also become essential to keep Joe’s wheelchair, BiPAP and other medical equipment operating during an outage.

Because ALS is progressive, it is impossible to know every need in advance. Funds raised will help meet Joe’s immediate equipment needs and provide a reserve for the caregiving, accessibility and medical-support expenses that are likely to follow.

If you can, please donate.

If you cannot, sharing this page is a meaningful way to help. Whether you know Joe through the Willingboro Police Department, the Federal Reserve, family, or friendship—or are simply moved by his story—we are grateful for your support.

We will share updates as equipment arrangements, costs, and Joe’s needs become clearer.

Thank you for helping Joe and Maureen face the road ahead with greater comfort, connection, and peace of mind.