<div>I'm starting this donation page to help fund my accessible bathroom renovation taking place starting August 13. Two years ago I was diagnosed with ALS and over time, my physical function declined. Eventually, I got to the point where climbing stairs regularly was dangerous. I also needed a way to navigate the home with my walker without needing to take it up and down the steps with me. So I convinced my girlfriend, and 4 other roommates at the time, to move out of our split level home and into a ranch style house. 

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<div>The new place was riddled with issues, both visible and invisible. I have taken care of  the most pressing issues, such as leaky drain pipes under the foundation, but now I am pursuing a way to access the restroom easier and safer than I am currently able. People with ALS (pALS), in online groups that I am in, have offered their testimonies as to what conditions make them comfortable in their home. Most of these relate to the bathroom, as toileting and bathing needs will not diminish with strength. Here are the suggestions I've received that also need applied to my bathroom:

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<li>Widened doorway to accommodate wheelchair/walker.

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<li>Roll in shower with high coefficient of friction tile and handrails for safer disabled and caretaker access, as well as to accommodate a shower chair and/or a rolling reclined toileting chair for when I can no longer support myself.

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<li>A roll under vanity sink to allow wheelchair access when brushing teeth/washing hands or hair.

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<li>Flat, smooth flooring to allow a Hoyer lift to be easily rolled in. Our current floor is bumpy and unlevel.

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<li>Taller toilet moved away from the back of the wall to allow easier wheelchair transfers.

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<li>Electrical outlet for a warm water bidet. This will also provide drying features so that none of my caretakers will need to reach under me to wipe (hopefully )

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<li>Lowered, paddle type light switch.

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<div>I took quotes from 4 different companies for this project and chose the one that best suited my needs and cost the least. The contractor I chose is easy to work with and willing to work with my needs as we go. He had been keeping me up-to-date on what his subcontractors will cost, but I didn't find out how much he was charging until just yesterday. Even though it beats the other 3 quotes, I'm looking for help funding this.

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<div>The point of this renovation is to create a comfortable toileting and showering space that will accommodate my current needs and future needs as I decline.

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Patti Hawkins

Navy Personnel Command PERS-9

McEntire Family

Jacinda Evans

Natalie Siedschlag

Oluwagbenga Folarin

Aliena Cortina

Dawn Mungiole

Diane Falkowitz

Chief Patton

Kathy Bishop

zhiyu chen

Monica Johnson

Diane Adam

Anonymous

Melissa Hays

Michael Sevart

NAVY PERSONNEL COMMAND PERS-97

Polly Krapes

Elizabeth Reno

ALS Bathroom Upgrade: Safety and Dignity

ALS Bathroom Upgrade: Safety and Dignity

Still $2,575 to go. Help us build momentum.