Patrick & Bernadette Manuel were married on November 22, 1986. In September of 2019, Bernadette was diagnosed with Bulbar Onset ALS. Despite the shock of her diagnosis and progressing of her symptoms, she continues to keep a positive outlook. We now come together as family and friends to help Bern and Pat through this battle.

Who is Bernadette?

To know her is to love her! Bern loves God, family, cooking, gardening, and traveling. She started her Nursing career in 1979 as an LPN. She went on to become an RN, Oncology floor nurse, ER nurse, Med surgery floor nurse, Nursery nurse, OR nurse, PaCU nurse, and lastly, a Pain Clinic nurse. She retired in 2020. She says: “I thought I would be retired and pioneering, playing golf, tennis and traveling, BUT I am here, and I wouldn’t wish ALS on my worst enemy. Despite all, I am not bitter and never have I asked why me.”

What is Bulbar Onset ALS?

Bulbar Onset Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a terminal disease that attacks and weakens the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, affecting basic tasks like the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe. It's a particularly cruel disease because, piece by piece, it takes away a person's life and independence, while keeping their mind intact. Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease, and someone passes away from it.

The disease is progressively taking control of Bern’s life. As a result, she has lost her voice. She cannot use one of her arms and has weakened in the other. She relies on Pat to perform most daily tasks.

There is no cure for ALS, but we sincerely thank you for your donation and support. Patrick & Bern's sister, Eddye "Cookie" Greene and their niece, Erica Trueheart, are organizing this fundraiser. Through this fundraising effort, we are hopeful to be able to provide financial assistance to aid in medical care for Bern.