Auntie Pat’s fight against ALS and Mike’s recovery

Editing to say for those that don’t know, mom has gained her angel wings. She was surrounded by her husband, kids, grandkids and close friends as she took her final breath here on earth. When we have more updates on service plans we will share with everyone. For now, we thank everyone who has donated thus far, but will transition to using these funds to help pay for services. There will be more expenses than has been collected so if any of you find it in your heart to help, please know it is so greatly appreciated. We want to be sure the celebration of life for her is all that she deserved. So many have posted about how loving and giving she was, it’s everyone’s opportunity to give back to her now. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

First off, thank you so much for taking the time to read our story. This is one I never thought I’d have to tell, nor did I ever imagine needing to ask for this sort of help. If any of you know myself or my mother…we don’t ask for help; we pull up our big girl pants and do it ourselves. However, we have found ourselves in a situation far beyond our control and means. Some of you may know, last fall my mother, Patricia Horvers, maybe better known as “Auntie Pat,” was diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This was confirmed on 12/31/2024 at the ALS clinic in Boston.

ALS affects the nervous system and weakens the muscles and lessens one’s physical functions over time, leaving you basically in paralysis. ALS can be slowed with some treatments for some people, but it is incurable. We are not ready to say goodbye yet!

My mom’s home is not equipped for someone in a wheelchair. They have made things work as best they can, but as you know, these things can be costly. Her bathroom needs updates, she needs a better ramp to get out of her home, a better Hoyer lift, and could benefit from a wheelchair-accessible van and more.

My mother spent her life running a daycare, taking care of hundreds of kids over the years, oftentimes helping those that couldn’t afford the high expenses associated with childcare so they could work too. She doesn’t have any retirement plan to fall back on. My stepfather, Mike, who is an absolute saint, has been providing almost all her care when he can, but he still has to work too. Mike has found himself in a bit of a predicament; he injured himself at work and now needs surgery on his shoulder. He is scheduled to go on 3/5 and will not be able to provide care to her while recovering. We are trying to do the best we can as a family, but we all have school/work demands too.

Any financial help will be used to help pay for medical needs, home updates, and people to provide care while Mike is recovering. A meal train would help and will be my next request.

My mother is one who would give the shirt off her back to anyone, who would open her home to anyone in need and not think twice. I wouldn't even be able to begin to name all that Mike does for others too. If you know him; you know what I mean and you are a lucky one for having been blessed with him in your life. Now, it is their time of need. Let’s all pull together to help make what time my mom has left with us the best it can be. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any help you can provide…even if it’s a share of this request. Much love to you all!!!!