ALS Patient in need of van equipped for wheelchair
Donation protected
About 5 weeks ago I was devastated to learn that my older brother, Tim Gurno, received a diagnoses of ALS. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to ones demise. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, people may lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe.
In order for him to maintain his independence and allow him to travel to the University of Washington to see the ALS specialist and for other doctor appointments, he will need a van equipped for a wheel chair. We are looking at purchasing a used van already equipped with the wheelchair lift or purchase a used van and equip it with a wheelchair lift.
I cannot express how much it hurts to see my brother to have to go through this journey. Growing up we were raised by a single mom and as the oldest he stepped up to help take care of us and make sure we were safe. He not only took care of us but he took care of our dad until he passed. Our dad was a very difficult and selfish person to be with; yet, Tim looked passed that and took care of him. A couple years ago he and his wife converted their garage into a really cute Cottege for his mother-in-law. Tim has a very BIG HEART and now he needs some help for himself.
This has been extremely life changing for him and his wife and has brought with it a great deal of medical expenses. Life has been pretty difficult lately as he was looking forward to retiring in a few years from his job of 40 plus years but recently had to step down from his position. My brother has always been willing to help people and this is my opportunity to help him. Would you be willing to join me to help him too? Your gift of any size would be greatly appreciated.
If you are unable to give, will you be willing to share this post with others?
In order for him to maintain his independence and allow him to travel to the University of Washington to see the ALS specialist and for other doctor appointments, he will need a van equipped for a wheel chair. We are looking at purchasing a used van already equipped with the wheelchair lift or purchase a used van and equip it with a wheelchair lift.
I cannot express how much it hurts to see my brother to have to go through this journey. Growing up we were raised by a single mom and as the oldest he stepped up to help take care of us and make sure we were safe. He not only took care of us but he took care of our dad until he passed. Our dad was a very difficult and selfish person to be with; yet, Tim looked passed that and took care of him. A couple years ago he and his wife converted their garage into a really cute Cottege for his mother-in-law. Tim has a very BIG HEART and now he needs some help for himself.
This has been extremely life changing for him and his wife and has brought with it a great deal of medical expenses. Life has been pretty difficult lately as he was looking forward to retiring in a few years from his job of 40 plus years but recently had to step down from his position. My brother has always been willing to help people and this is my opportunity to help him. Would you be willing to join me to help him too? Your gift of any size would be greatly appreciated.
If you are unable to give, will you be willing to share this post with others?
Organizer
Beth Koch
Organizer
Renton, WA