From the top of the world to a deep hole, life can change quickly! Brian’s story is a good reminder of why one should never take anything for granted. After experiencing three traumatic events in 2020, Brian has been on a downward spiral both physically and financially.

Last fall, Brian started noticing a delay in his speech with an occasional slur. After amassing medical bills from three different doctors who kept running tests, but couldn’t provide any answers, he was able to schedule an appointment with a neurologist that was more than three months out.

After seeing the neurologist in June and having several subsequent tests, Brian finally got a diagnosis. Sadly, Brian has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as “ALS” or “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” ALS is a progressive disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, which control muscle movement. The motor neurons die over time, leading to muscle weakness, a loss of muscle mass and an inability to control movement. ALS is a very rare neurological disorder for which there is no cure. The prognosis is cruel, although the disease progression varies widely among individuals. The neurologist has told Brian that the next six months will be very trying on his speech and his right arm/hand, where he has begun losing strength.

Brian is such a bright and vivacious person who has always given to everyone; it seems unfathomable that he could be struck by such a disease. Brian’s entire life and future have changed in an instant. His diagnosis has hit him very hard as well as his friends, family and especially minor children.

Brian will require costly treatments, drugs and equipment to help manage his condition. Since ALS affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, eventually causing loss of muscle control, speech and the ability to eat and breathe, Brian will be disabled and unable to work. He will require many machines to get him through each day. His wish is to remain in his single-story home for mobility purposes and to remain close to his children.

Brian’s current financial income to obligations is dire. He lost his job nearly two years ago and has been unable to find employment. He has been surviving by doing odd jobs for friends and neighbors and paying bills from his remaining 401k, which is almost empty. He will be unable to do any odd jobs in the very near future.

Any amount you can give will help immensely. Every cent raised will go to help pay mortgage, bills, kids, and now the unexpected medical bills and equipment his insurance won’t cover.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!