Dear Friends and Family,

Our beloved mother, Claire Kulak, was diagnosed with Bulbar Palsy, a specific form of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) earlier this year. ALS Bulbar is a devastating illness that progressively weakens the muscles, and in Claire's case, it has been advancing rapidly. She lost all ability to walk, talk, chew, and swallow.

Recently, she required a feeding tube due to no longer being able to eat or take medications by mouth. She also depended on respiratory equipment such as a cough assist, BiPAP machine, and oxygen machine, coupled with numerous medications to manage her symptoms. We've done our best to care for her at home 24/7, but the symptoms became unmanageable and she spent the last week of her life on an inpatient hospice unit.

Her diagnosis progressed faster than anyone anticipated, and her time came to an end unexpectedly fast. Ultimately, we must announce her passing on August 11, 2025. Unfortunately, the caregiving, living, funeral, and memorial expenses have become overwhelming.

We are reaching out with humble hearts to ask for your support. Any donation—no matter how small—will go directly toward Claire's medical bills and memorial. Our goal is to raise $33,000 to help cover medical equipment, medications, and related expenses.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and continued support during this difficult time.

Services will be held at Overton Funeral Home in Islip, NY Monday August 18 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary's in East Islip Tuesday August 19 at 9:45am.

With gratitude,

Chris & Melissa Kulak