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My sister Cathy was born 55 years ago and since the day she was born has been my sidekick. Cathy was born with a deformed hip socket and has suffered many health issues since; multiple hip and knee replacements, cervical fusions, shoulder and ankle surgery. Life hasn’t been easy for her; she lost her middle management job of 23 years due to her health. In 2011 Cathy met the love of her life, and they were married 2 years later. Since meeting her wife I have never seen her happier. Cathy had been experiencing trouble swallowing, slurred speech, extreme weakness in her legs, dropped foot, unexplained muscle twitching, and numbness in her face and after a year of medical testing, our world came crashing down when she was diagnosed with Familial ALS. Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
According to the ALS Association the estimated life expectancy after diagnosis is approximately 2-5 years. Every patient experiences a different journey there is no rule book. The estimated out of pocket medical expenses and care giving services can range between $200,000-$300,000, EACH YEAR. Those expenses can and have included modifying her home to make for greater accessibility, wheelchairs are not covered fully, specialized van, lifts, and in-home nursing aides and caregivers, it often bankrupts families.
Cathy and I are 15 months apart and she’s my best friend; although she’s younger I've looked up to her my entire life. Every obstacle she has faced, she has done so with so much courage and dignity. Her kindness and generosity is beyond measurable. Her heart is as big as the moon, and her loyalty is unlike anything I have ever seen. I have always admired the friends she has and how much they love her. She has been the glue that has held our family together. At the young age of 11 she was a surrogate mother that helped raise our youngest brother since we had lost our mother and our father traveled extensively. The selfless acts she has done for her own family, other “family” and countless friends are too many to list. I can’t imagine my life without her.
ALS is taking her life but it is also taking all of her finances. The past year alone they have spent close to $200,000 out of pocket that is NOT covered by insurance. This amount is only growing as her condition deteriorates and as more equipment and care giving services are needed. She has gone through almost her entire 401K on medical expenses, medical equipment, and an Ability Van that accommodates her wheelchair. They have had to make changes to their home to accommodate her wheelchair, and make it easier for her to access her bathroom and shower and to get around. Cathy is losing the ability to move, speak, swallow and eat. As the days go by her legs are beginning to give out and her need for in home caregivers is imminent. Most of these expenses and care requirements are NOT covered by insurance and will be completely out of pocket.
Cathy lives each day with a positive attitude, and doesn’t focus on what she can’t do but what she CAN do. She has the biggest sense of humor, and has a way of turning this bad situation into something funny. All that know her know how special she really is; those that don’t would love her too. Cathy would never ask for help but we as a family are asking for help for her so that she can live out her final days on this earth the way that she deserves. Any amount will help and is greatly appreciated by all in the Sidders Clan.
According to the ALS Association the estimated life expectancy after diagnosis is approximately 2-5 years. Every patient experiences a different journey there is no rule book. The estimated out of pocket medical expenses and care giving services can range between $200,000-$300,000, EACH YEAR. Those expenses can and have included modifying her home to make for greater accessibility, wheelchairs are not covered fully, specialized van, lifts, and in-home nursing aides and caregivers, it often bankrupts families.
Cathy and I are 15 months apart and she’s my best friend; although she’s younger I've looked up to her my entire life. Every obstacle she has faced, she has done so with so much courage and dignity. Her kindness and generosity is beyond measurable. Her heart is as big as the moon, and her loyalty is unlike anything I have ever seen. I have always admired the friends she has and how much they love her. She has been the glue that has held our family together. At the young age of 11 she was a surrogate mother that helped raise our youngest brother since we had lost our mother and our father traveled extensively. The selfless acts she has done for her own family, other “family” and countless friends are too many to list. I can’t imagine my life without her.
ALS is taking her life but it is also taking all of her finances. The past year alone they have spent close to $200,000 out of pocket that is NOT covered by insurance. This amount is only growing as her condition deteriorates and as more equipment and care giving services are needed. She has gone through almost her entire 401K on medical expenses, medical equipment, and an Ability Van that accommodates her wheelchair. They have had to make changes to their home to accommodate her wheelchair, and make it easier for her to access her bathroom and shower and to get around. Cathy is losing the ability to move, speak, swallow and eat. As the days go by her legs are beginning to give out and her need for in home caregivers is imminent. Most of these expenses and care requirements are NOT covered by insurance and will be completely out of pocket.
Cathy lives each day with a positive attitude, and doesn’t focus on what she can’t do but what she CAN do. She has the biggest sense of humor, and has a way of turning this bad situation into something funny. All that know her know how special she really is; those that don’t would love her too. Cathy would never ask for help but we as a family are asking for help for her so that she can live out her final days on this earth the way that she deserves. Any amount will help and is greatly appreciated by all in the Sidders Clan.