Help Andrea Croce-Martinez beat MS

Andrea is a wife to Kenny of 25 years and mother to Mark 20 and Julia 16. Lifelong sister, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law and friend to us all. Several years ago, Andrea was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It was scary at first but she would fight through it bravely but as time went on it has progressively worsened and is now limiting her daily life. Andrea can no longer drive, walk freely around her home, cook meals and enjoy life with her family. She was the mom who held down a full-time job, always drove Mark to basketball practice and his games, Julia to her dance and singing lessons as well as her recitals. She would fill her weekends doing the normal things that we all do for our families like cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Andrea can't do those household chores or get up the stairs to sleep in her own bed. Her abilities and functions are quite difficult; needing assistance for everything including going to the bathroom, showering and brushing her hair.

Andrea recently applied for a trial at NYU but was not accepted because her MS is too far along. They told her maybe the next round. The cost of out of pocket medications, therapies, and doctors has put a strain on the finances. Andrea is limited to the main floor of their 2 story house. Although there is a powder room on the first floor there is no shower. Kenny works extremely hard to support his family and take care of Andrea as best as he can. He gets up every morning before he goes to work to help her get ready for the day. She has a helper a few hours of the day but it takes two people to assist Andrea in the bathroom, to the chairlift and into the shower. It is very hard to have to rely on someone to help you perform the basic necessities of life. The house does not have any ramps and due to some expenses this past year the money is not there to buy or build any at this point. Lifesaving ramps are needed for her to have access to be able to get outside in case of an emergency and just for fresh air. Kenny has to lift his wife into the car in order to do anything with the family. They do not have a mobility van which would ease the burden on Kenny getting her to and from doctors’ appointments, therapy appointments or just to go and have a date night or take the kids out for a ride.

We are looking to raise at least $50,000 for Andrea in order to get a patient lift or crane to allow her family and aide to get her up to go to the bathroom, shower or just from the couch to her wheelchair. Ramps for safety in and out of the house, a Mobility Van to allow her to get to and from appointments and money to add a walk in shower to her first floor bathroom.

All these costs and expenses are beyond attainable for this family. On top of this, the stress does not help Andrea's condition, Please Help this Brave, Selfless Woman! Your Help is Needed! Please find it in your heart to come to her aid. And be our HERO!!!

Volunteering is also welcome, if you are a contractor, plumber that is willing to help we would also appreciate your help.  If you can volunteer message myself on facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/terry.gioiadrugan or Patty https://www.facebook.com/patricia.beckergusenfitter.

Even if you can’t help monetarily, please message her on facebook to just say hi.

God bless you all and thank you.

The Drugan & Gusenfitter Families