“Brother Bill,” a name known to many, a story known to few.

Brother Bill is a son, a sibling, an uncle, a cousin, a friend, and even more so, an amazing, devoted, and selfless priest. He is a Bensonhurst Brooklyn native, born into an Italian family, with parents Anna and Raymondo, along with sister Phyllis. He attended New Utrecht high school, was Prom King, and everyone’s favorite comedian. Brother Bill attended Brooklyn College following high school.

Since a young age, he and his family were very close with the Catholic church. They attended weekly mass, fundraised, and celebrated Christianity with the community. In 2002, Brother Bill was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis; a disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system and controls everything we do. The resulting damage disrupts signals to and from the brain. This interruption of communication signals causes unpredictable symptoms (such as numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness and/or paralysis, mobility, balance, cognitive and speech impairments). Everyone’s experience with MS is different and these losses may be temporary or long lasting.

At first, Brother Bill handled all of the gradual struggles and changes, with great ease. He followed doctors’ orders, implemented dietary changes, and exercises. He did not miss an appointment. While battling this overwhelming and time-consuming illness, Brother Bill leaned on God more than ever. He managed to study Catholicism and be ordained as a Franciscan Friar, in Bronx New York, 2006. Shortly after, he moved to Delaware and serviced underserved communities while living with Franciscan brothers alike.

After a while, Brother Bill began to physically deteriorate, which required him to live in a more sustainable environment. With that, he was transferred to the infirmary in New York (Beacon), where he could be provided with as much support as he can and still live and preach the word of God. Since then, his health has diminished tremendously. Brother Bill is unable to walk, speak or eat on his own. He is now being transferred to a home, where he will likely spend the rest of his days. Unfortunately, insurance will only cover his stay, and not an aide to ensure his comfort, and emotional state of mind.

On behalf of Brother Bill, his family is asking for support. The same support Brother Bill has provided thousands of individuals in his lifetime. The same support every human needs and should receive. The same support, and the same reason why Bill Arlia became “Brother Bill.” Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. And will also be put to use for a special wheelchair. No donations big or small will go unnoticed. We thank you in advance and wish you nothing but health, wealth and happiness.