Hello, My name is Austi Boltz . I am starting this fund on behalf of our dear close friends and neighbor for over 10 years , Susan Roy and her sons Mitchell and Justin .
Sue is a Optometrist Technician in our community . She is a loving mother and partner and an amazing friend .
But , our worlds turned upside down last year. Her partner Ike Morris was diagnosed with ALS.
Ike was the most driven , deep and lived his days in perfection . Ike ran his own lawn service and provided lawn care all over Columbus for over 20 years.
After his diagnosis over this past summer, Ike was no longer able to drive , care for his lawn company and slowly lost his mobility to walk. Things were declining dramatically and symptoms quickly worsed for Ike.
By the Fall , he had no longer the ability to use his arms and legs . Making his care at home increasingly difficult even with the minimal in home care provided.
My husband Brandyn and myself stood by our friends side, anytime day or night when they needed us . For out of bed routines , restroom use , sometimes just to adress his comfort, stand him up and just hold him . His sighs of relief when he felt comfortable was a win for us . We soon lost clear verbal communication but we never stopped trying to understand his language we all called it jokingly
Ike-a-nease.
But even with our help , Sue, Mitchell and Justin bared the 24hr care. Sue had to work to provide for the family when Ike could no longer work . Mitchell just turned 18 , is a senior in highschool, a great student and a wonderful athlete as well as preparing for college next year. He never left his dad's side. Justin a young 25, took over what he could with the home maintenance and lawn care, all while working a demanding trade job .
They are all so strong and watching this heart wrenching disease slowly take our friend, father and loved one was the most difficult experience, I believe, in all of our lives. Cognitively Ike was there with us always . Which some days seemed unbearable to provide for someone who was essentially trapped in their own body .
January 5th , we had to make the hardest decision and move Ike to a close facility for hospice care. With his symptoms worsening by the day, his pain became unmanageable at home. For us this was the beginning to the end . All of our love was pored into every decision made for Ikes comfort. Watching Mitchell be his dad's advocate of care was so powerful, emotional and something a young child should never have to go through. But, he did it with bravery and grace.
Our hearts shattered again as we lost Ike January 15th. He was surrounded by family and love.
I'm making this fundraiser to help Sue and her boys bring Ike home. With the high expenses this will help complete costs at the funeral home and arrangements.
All of this is so heartbreaking. Ike's financial role in the family no longer being available has left with Sue to take on everything. This fundraiser will also help her with the time off work needed , bills, groceries and college prep that she was not prepared to take on alone .
They are not just our neighbors, they are our family. They deserve all of the support and love. Please help or share this with your loved ones .
Thank you ! I
