Helping Derek Fight ALS- "Dance It Out Challenge"
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Help me help Derek Michaud and his family!
Today we start a new chapter in supporting Derek Michaud in his fight with ALS.
Derek has held a terminal diagnosis for just over 2 years and has continued to inspire us all along his journey.
We need to support Derek and his family as they slowly make their way on this path. In true Derek fashion, he had an idea to stir up awareness and also support the families suffering from this horrific disease. With a classic, Derek spin off- of coarse.
Here’s the story:
Derek, his wife and two adorable kids love having dance parties. On New Years Eve they had a little dance party in their living room as they brought in the New Year. Derek thought that it was so funny that he posted it on Facebook and their personal blog page. (Take a peek at standblu.com).
Well, this post made some waves- In a good way! They heard from so many people that they love, but they also heard from many people that they did not know. They were taken aback that their story and funky dance moves inspired people!! How cool…
About a week later- Derek came up with an Idea. He wanted to set up a “Dance It Out Challenge for ALS”. We all loved the idea, so we started to brainstorm.
Derek and his family are truly inspiring. They have all come together and decided that ALS would not take their Joy away. Derek and his wife Sarahjean are fully committed to their two children- Harper 8 and Arlen 6. Every day they look this debilitating disease straight into the eye.
Always trying to brainstorm ways to make Harper and Arlen’s childhood a genuine and happy one. But they are also committed to pulling this disease into the Lime light and allowing these tragic circumstances to be a voice of strength.
ALS has changed so much for this special family, in endless ways. But throughout they have been honest with their kids and shared their story early on.
For those of you who are not familiar with this disease, let me share a gentle description. ALS is a disease of the motor neurons. It is a progressive, neurological disease that leads to muscle weakness, atrophy and aggressive changes throughout the body, including the ability to breathe. ALS is a terminal disease. Most people live 3 to 5 years after first experiencing symptoms.
(Harper and Arlen were asked to dress up as the person who inspires them most for school. Arlen dressed up as Derek, and Harper as Sarahjean- I see the resemblance!)
There is no cure.
A couple weeks after Derek turned 43 he was diagnosed with ALS.
Derek and his family have been through so much since May of 2017 when he was diagnosed. So when Derek had the great idea to create a “Dance It Out Challenge”… We all jumped all over it!
Your support will allow Derek to receive the medical home care that he now needs full-time.
Most families go bankrupt paying for the enormous bills associated with caring for a family member with ALS. Derek has a caregiver with him part-time but requires full-time care to get him through his daily routine. Sarahjean continues working to pay their bills and to show their kids that they can’t give up… No matter what life throws your way!
Currently the Michaud’s monthly out of pocket expenses for his needs are approximately $8000-$10,000 and climbing as his needs increase.
(Derek's aid Asuman, playing with Harper and Arlen as Derek watches.)
Let’s make Derek’s vision a reality! Help for he and his family with meeting or exceeding their financial goal and for making this “Dance It Out Challenge” a reality.
Learn more about Derek and his family at: STANDBLU.COM
Want to Dance for ALS? Check out the “Dance It Out Challenge” page at:
https://www.facebook.com/danceforderek
Please share.
Today we start a new chapter in supporting Derek Michaud in his fight with ALS.
Derek has held a terminal diagnosis for just over 2 years and has continued to inspire us all along his journey.
We need to support Derek and his family as they slowly make their way on this path. In true Derek fashion, he had an idea to stir up awareness and also support the families suffering from this horrific disease. With a classic, Derek spin off- of coarse.
Here’s the story:
Derek, his wife and two adorable kids love having dance parties. On New Years Eve they had a little dance party in their living room as they brought in the New Year. Derek thought that it was so funny that he posted it on Facebook and their personal blog page. (Take a peek at standblu.com).
Well, this post made some waves- In a good way! They heard from so many people that they love, but they also heard from many people that they did not know. They were taken aback that their story and funky dance moves inspired people!! How cool…
About a week later- Derek came up with an Idea. He wanted to set up a “Dance It Out Challenge for ALS”. We all loved the idea, so we started to brainstorm.
Derek and his family are truly inspiring. They have all come together and decided that ALS would not take their Joy away. Derek and his wife Sarahjean are fully committed to their two children- Harper 8 and Arlen 6. Every day they look this debilitating disease straight into the eye.
Always trying to brainstorm ways to make Harper and Arlen’s childhood a genuine and happy one. But they are also committed to pulling this disease into the Lime light and allowing these tragic circumstances to be a voice of strength.
ALS has changed so much for this special family, in endless ways. But throughout they have been honest with their kids and shared their story early on.
For those of you who are not familiar with this disease, let me share a gentle description. ALS is a disease of the motor neurons. It is a progressive, neurological disease that leads to muscle weakness, atrophy and aggressive changes throughout the body, including the ability to breathe. ALS is a terminal disease. Most people live 3 to 5 years after first experiencing symptoms.
(Harper and Arlen were asked to dress up as the person who inspires them most for school. Arlen dressed up as Derek, and Harper as Sarahjean- I see the resemblance!)There is no cure.
A couple weeks after Derek turned 43 he was diagnosed with ALS.
Derek and his family have been through so much since May of 2017 when he was diagnosed. So when Derek had the great idea to create a “Dance It Out Challenge”… We all jumped all over it!
Your support will allow Derek to receive the medical home care that he now needs full-time.
Most families go bankrupt paying for the enormous bills associated with caring for a family member with ALS. Derek has a caregiver with him part-time but requires full-time care to get him through his daily routine. Sarahjean continues working to pay their bills and to show their kids that they can’t give up… No matter what life throws your way!
Currently the Michaud’s monthly out of pocket expenses for his needs are approximately $8000-$10,000 and climbing as his needs increase.
(Derek's aid Asuman, playing with Harper and Arlen as Derek watches.)Let’s make Derek’s vision a reality! Help for he and his family with meeting or exceeding their financial goal and for making this “Dance It Out Challenge” a reality.
Learn more about Derek and his family at: STANDBLU.COM
Want to Dance for ALS? Check out the “Dance It Out Challenge” page at:
https://www.facebook.com/danceforderek
Please share.
Organizer
Sarahjean Lizotte Michaud
Organizer
Pepperell, MA
