Brandon Brown's battle with ALS

Hello, my name is Maxwell Blinow. My wife and I are organizing this fundraiser for my Father in-law, Brandon Brown. We are asking for support and donations to assist us with the many big costs related to his ALS. Some of these costs include (but are not limited to) medical testing, copays, medications, treatments, and at-home care. The unforeseen additional costs we have ran into include travel expenses, ADA home renovations, loss of income, and more. We will personally be matching the goal of $50,000 whether we reach it or not, but we ask you to consider donating and join us supporting him through this journey with what you can. In a perfect world, we would blow the goal out of the water completely.

Brandon is the father of six children, a husband, and a grandfather of two. He currently resides in West Unity, Ohio, where he has worked very hard to support his family and his community. He has spent his life helping others as much as he could and still continues to so to the best of his ability. Brandon was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) in August of 2021. ALS is a progressive and ultimately terminal neuromuscular condition that is diagnosed in less than 10 out of every 100,000 adults each year. Each person diagnosed with this disease progresses at their own pace and with their own set of symptoms. Further information on ALS is linked here: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-alsNINDS ALS. I encourage everyone to learn more about this disease, as ALS doesn't discriminate. It can happen to anyone, no matter their background.

Luckily, Brandon is still in the relativley early stages of the disease, but is encountering severe life altering conditions that are arising very rapidly. He has recently lost his ability to perform in any line of work and cannot safely operate a motor vehicle for very long. He can no longer open and close either of his hands very well or lift anything over 10 pounds for longer than a minute. He has had to adapt his use of eating utensils to be able to even eat by himself. For those of you who do not personally know Brandon, he is 6'3" and was a pillar of strength and energy. He now has to use two hands to lift up a common coffee cup. Some days, he struggles to lift his head or even get out of bed from the lack of strength his muscles have. It's truly heart-breaking to see just how much ALS hinders his daily life.

Like we've mentioned, we sincerely ask you all to read up on this disease and personally come to your own conclusions. However, it is very appartent that this is an extremely underfunded disease. We say that in the regards to the research that has been done on it. In our experience, many neurologists see ALS as a dead end with no light at the end of the tunnel. Once diagnosed, they don't offer much but symptom management. Sadly, we must make do with what we currently have avalible in forms of treatment, the small number of traditional treatments available. The one hope filled treatment we are currently interested is quite expensive. Insurance does not cover this treatment, so it's all out of pocket. These treatments will be taken place out of Miami, Florida.

The goal that is being set for his funding may seem quite large to some, but it is truly a drop in the bucket compared to the cost that will be incurred on this journey.

We do ask that you refrain from flooding Brandon with a ton of questions, as he has a lot of stressors upon him at this time of adjustment in his life. It is very difficult for him to respond to messages, as his hands do not work how he would like them to. Please reach out to us or look for updates on this page. They will be posted as we get them, but feel free to contact us and ask about his progress. All Brandon really asks for is prayers and positive thoughts, but we would love for him to be able to not have to worry everyday about treatment costs and cost of daily living. He deserves to fill his remaining life with joy and love, not stress.

Please share this across your various platforms,

Thank you all so much for your time.

-Max & Ariana