Garrett Smith ALS Caregiver Fundraiser

My name is Garrett J Smith, I was diagnosed with ALS June 2017. I am a proud Navy Veteran of 13 years and deployed twice. Iraq in 2007 and Afghanistan in 2012. Before I was diagnosed , I knew nothing about ALS other than the ice bucket challenge. What is ALS you ask?  ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Eventually you lose your ability to move your limbs, eat, drink and breathe. I later learned that military is twice as likely to get ALS for reasons unknown. If you need any proof of who I am please refer to my ALS story at https://www.teamsmithfamilyfleet.com/

I am a devoted, loving, and caring father to 3 amazing kids ages 13, 11 and 9. My loving and caring wife Jennifer of 15 years is truly remarkable, strong and my rock. We loved to travel, go hiking, boating, and occasionally staying home and watching movies but sadly ALS stole all that from us. My poor wife now is raising our 3 children, working part time and having to do everything around our home. She is exhausted and can't keep up. She is definitely trying her best without losing her mind. I am blessed that I  get compensation from the VA and Paralyzed Veterans of America PVA but sadly it's not enough to cover in home caregiver support and I make to much to receive Medicaid. The VA self directed care program has denied me service as they require multiple caregiver support which is understandable. I need 24/7 care and multiple caregivers which is why I am asking for donations to help cover the additional hours. I feel awful for even asking as I am one to always help others in need.

I am fully wheelchair dependent, tube fed and on ventilator and require 24/7 care. One of the many challenges is getting nursing care needed to make me comfortable and keeping me at home so I can be with my family at any expense. Long-term vent facilities are completely full from this pandemic and I would do anything to see my kids grow and be apart of their lives. My wife has her hands full from caring for our kids to living day to day life.

 

Please help me make it possible to be home with my family and spend quality time with my kids. if you feel within your heart to donate, please do as every little bit will help ease this overwhelming burden that we are facing.

 

With love and respect.

Garrett