Assist Kathy's ALS Journey

Affectionately known by many as Ms. Kathy, Kat, BK, and Mama, Kathy—pictured here—is an incredibly resilient, brave, and inspiring woman who has dedicated her life to serving others. From hosting her famous Sunday dinners and cookouts to offering a safe space for those in need, she has always gone above and beyond. providing a listening ear without judgment, taking others to their doctor’s appointments, or just to call to “see how you are doing”. Kathy has touched countless lives. 

She is not just a cornerstone of her family and friends but also our beloved mother. In 2021, Kathy was diagnosed with ALS and her journey has been marked by incredible courage. By 2023, the disease has progressed, and she is now wheelchair dependent.

 

In Kathy’s own words

Hello

My name is Kathrine. I have been diagnosed with ALS / Lou Gehrig disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis it affects the nerve cells in the brain and Spinal cord and causes severe muscle weakness, speech impairment and breathing complications just to name a few. 

There is no cure for this disease, and it robs you of your life!

I have always been independent never asking for help but always helping others.  I am no longer able to independently do things on my own.

Activities that once brought me so much happiness—like going for a drive, sitting on my porch, dining out, doing my weekly shopping, gardening, crocheting, and especially cooking—are no longer possible due to the progression of this disease.

I now require total care to get through each day.

In October 2024, I retired after over 14 years as a paralegal. I served as a liaison and advocate for the disabled community, reviewing cases to ensure individuals were treated fairly and with the respect they deserved. This work was something I was deeply passionate about and took immense pride in doing. 

However, the growing costs of my medical care have left me struggling to afford home care, transportation, food, prescriptions, and the necessities needed to maintain my quality of life.

I am humbly asking for financial support to help me navigate this journey and continue this fight.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your kindness and support.

Kathy enjoying Easter 2024 dinner at a restaurant with daughters and family)

Goals

The ultimate goal is for Kathy to have the best quality of life while on this journey. To do this she will need 24-hour personal care from a certified medical professional. While she has minimal ability in her extremities; physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy is still essential to her quality of life. Also, taking trips outside of her home.

Achieving these goals will allow Kathy to receive the consistent care and support she needs to thrive, giving her the opportunity to focus on her quality of life. It will also provide her daughters, Jessica and Anna, the chance to spend more meaningful time with their mom as daughters rather than caregivers. This time together is invaluable, allowing them to create lasting memories and strengthen their bond.

We also acknowledge that out-of-pocket expenses for individuals living with ALS can easily exceed $250,000. Through this fundraiser, we have created an opportunity for those who wish to support Kathrine—whether in small or significant ways—financially, as she continues through this journey.

 

About the Needs

ALS is a very expensive disease, in ways both figurative and literal. Because of its progressive nature, we are constantly readjusting our reality to new norms. Kathrine has already used all her savings and retirement in making the first-floor accommodations for her condition. She was able to purchase on her own a ramp ($9000+), and an electric wheelchair covered by insurance (before retirement). Kathy have reached out for donated equipment and been blessed with a bed, assisted devices and some supplies. Still, the demands are on-going now that she cannot stand or walk—we understand the disease will progress where she will not be able to speak. Because of this, we need to plan and prepare for what is to come. There’s no time limit of when this will happen.

  Kathy would welcome support in a myriad of ways, from meals, cleaning, laundry service, household activities such as opening packages, phone calls, visits and texts. If you are willing and able to give financially, your contribution would go directly to the following items and breakdowns. Any specialized items that we acquire, we will donate to the ALS closet when Kathy no longer needs them. Below, we detail the specific needs and how we would apply aid. This will update as needs progress and/or changes.

  Medical/mobility: 80%

•  Home care ($35+ per hour for certified medical professionals). Many individuals with ALS rely on their partners and family to care for them when they can no longer care for themselves. However, Jessica and Anna are unable lift and shift mom, which is essential to support activities for daily living. 24/7 care would cost $20k+ per month.

• Food (varies)

• Hygiene essentials (varies)

• Prescriptions ($5-$50 depends on medications)

• Transportation ($5-$100 per trip depends on distance)

• Copays ($25 - $100)

• ADA/ADL accommodations to thrive (varies)

• ICU bed that would autorotate Kathy and prevent bed sores ($5,000 estimate)

• Portable wheelchair ramps ($400)

  Priceless Memories: 10%

• Church and Outings- (Transportation $5- $100 depending on distance). Mobility- is used however it is not reliable as we have had several not so good experiences with our mom arriving and departure with a wait over three hours.

Thank you all for your ongoing thoughts, prayers, and support in every way to make this difficult time a little more easier.