The Next Phase: Preparing for What’s Ahead

Because of you, we reached $16,000 and are almost at our halfway mark for our funding goal!!! Thank you!!!!

That milestone carried us through a critical stretch of this journey. It helped us stabilize, adapt our home, and absorb the growing costs that come with ALS. It also helped feed our family when we didn't feel much like cooking.

But as many of you know, ALS is progressive. It doesn’t pause. It doesn’t plateau.

And we are now entering the next phase of this journey.

Unfortunately Brandon’s strength and mobility continue to decline. Transfers require more support. Fatigue comes faster. Breathing and swallowing require closer monitoring. He is also preparing for his feeding tube procedure on March 2, which will help keep him well nourished and hydrated.

This next season will require:

• Increased accessibility modifications

• Continued adaptive equipment and maintenance

• Medical travel and specialist coordination

• Lost income as caregiving becomes fully hands-on and paid family medical leave ends

• Preparing for advanced respiratory support when that time comes

The VA has been incredible — we are deeply grateful for the power wheelchair, shower accommodations, and assistive technology already provided. But even with that support, there are still financial gaps that families like ours must bridge.

We are choosing to be proactive rather than reactive. We are preparing before crisis hits.

If you’ve already given — please know you’ve made an immeasurable difference. You helped us breathe in a season where everything felt tight.

If you feel led to continue sharing or supporting as we step into this next chapter, we are humbly grateful.

ALS takes. But it has not taken our resolve. It has not taken our love. And it has not taken our community.

We are still standing. We are still adapting. We are still Doucette Strong.

With gratitude and determination,

Kristi, Brandon & family

Initial post:

Hi everyone ,

This is one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to share.

Our family is navigating life with a progressive neurological condition called ALS, that is steadily impacting Brandon’s strength, balance, and mobility. Over time, everyday tasks have become more difficult, and the changes have been rapid. Unfortunately there is no current cure for this disease.

Recently, Brandon experienced a fall at work — a frightening reminder of how much this condition is affecting his safety and independence. As his care needs have increased, I have stepped away from work and am now on caregiver leave so I can be home to support him full-time.

Progressive neurological conditions bring challenges that extend far beyond medical care alone. As Brandon’s strength and mobility continue to decline, the need for specialized care, mobility and safety equipment, accessibility support, and frequent appointments has grown quickly. At the same time, our family is navigating the financial impact of transitioning to full-time caregiving.

These funds will help us navigate his growing mobility and safety needs, housing support as we prepare to relocate to a safer home and the many unseen costs that come with caring for a loved one with a progressive neurological condition.

Funds raised will help cover:

Caregiving-related expenses

Mobility and safety equipment/devices not covered by the VA

Home accessibility and housing-related support

Transportation and travel for specialty care

Basic living expenses during this caregiving transition

Meals for our family

If you’re not in a position to donate, we completely understand. Sharing this fundraiser, offering encouragement, or keeping our family in your thoughts means more than we can express.

Thank you for the compassion, kindness, and support you’ve shown us during this incredibly difficult time. It truly carries us.

With gratitude,

Kristi & Family

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