#BurpeesForVelle #BeatThe5 #UseItOrLoseIt
Donation protected
LaVelle Guess was born a twin September 16, 1978. He was always considered the little brother because he was so small, but that didn't stop him from being active in sports. LaVelle started playing sports at an early age, developing a love for both football and basketball. On the court, Velle had the speed, endurance, and one of the best left-handed shots you have ever seen. Unfortunately, a couple years ago Velle started to notice some physical changes in his upper body.
The changes that Velle experienced was gradual. He first started to notice muscle weakness in his arms, affecting his ability to lift and twist tops off items. LaVelle was then advised to participate in physical therapy in hopes that he just needed to be reconditioned. Unfortunately, there was no improvement and he was advised to undergo some testing. In 2015 Lavelle was finally diagnosed with ALS.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, people lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe. The initial symptoms of ALS can vary in different people and the rate in which ALS progresses can also vary from one person to another. Once ALS starts, it almost always progresses, eventually taking away the ability to walk, dress, write, speak, swallow, and breathe - shortening the life span. Velle has lost his ability to participate in the normal activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, bathing and taking care of his personal needs. Although the life expectancy of a person with ALS averages about 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis, Velle continues to smile and take the good with the bad. There is currently no cure for ALS or treatment that extend his life. We are just trying to allow him and his families the ability to continue to push forward without the struggles that this disease carries with it.
Receiving a diagnosis of ALS is both challenging and overwhelming for his family including his wife Kim of 15 years and young son. Caring for a loved one, often falls on family members. As Velle disease continues to progress, he will require more assistance in the home that his insurance will not cover. The money that is donated will go towards medical supplies and private duty care.
The #BurpeesForVelle #UseItOrLoseIt #Beatthe5 challenge is our way of supporting Lavelle and allowing you to be active.
The changes that Velle experienced was gradual. He first started to notice muscle weakness in his arms, affecting his ability to lift and twist tops off items. LaVelle was then advised to participate in physical therapy in hopes that he just needed to be reconditioned. Unfortunately, there was no improvement and he was advised to undergo some testing. In 2015 Lavelle was finally diagnosed with ALS.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, people lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe. The initial symptoms of ALS can vary in different people and the rate in which ALS progresses can also vary from one person to another. Once ALS starts, it almost always progresses, eventually taking away the ability to walk, dress, write, speak, swallow, and breathe - shortening the life span. Velle has lost his ability to participate in the normal activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, bathing and taking care of his personal needs. Although the life expectancy of a person with ALS averages about 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis, Velle continues to smile and take the good with the bad. There is currently no cure for ALS or treatment that extend his life. We are just trying to allow him and his families the ability to continue to push forward without the struggles that this disease carries with it.
Receiving a diagnosis of ALS is both challenging and overwhelming for his family including his wife Kim of 15 years and young son. Caring for a loved one, often falls on family members. As Velle disease continues to progress, he will require more assistance in the home that his insurance will not cover. The money that is donated will go towards medical supplies and private duty care.
The #BurpeesForVelle #UseItOrLoseIt #Beatthe5 challenge is our way of supporting Lavelle and allowing you to be active.
Co-organizers (8)
Ashley Guess
Organizer
Inkster, MI
Kim Guess
Beneficiary
Annette Buchanan
Co-organizer
Bianca Guess
Co-organizer
Ebony White
Co-organizer
Carmen James
Co-organizer