Comfort and Support for Kathy

I never knew what STRENGTH was until I saw someone I love battle ALS ❤️

Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of knowing my cousin, Kathy Manley Honsaker, will corroborate the fact she is one of the kindest, most compassionate, and faithful woman you will ever meet. She has always been a devoted mom, a loyal friend, and an active church member. She has a special place in her heart to love and serve the Lord and has always led by example in life.

In August 2017, she spent 9 days in Africa serving with members of her church. Her passion is supporting orphans and those who are helpless and in need.

Kathy was recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a terminal disease that attacks and weakens the nervous system that affects basic tasks like walking, speaking, eating, and more.

Prior to her illness, Kathy was an active, vibrant, and healthy individual.

The symptoms started about 2 years ago. At that time, she was working as a sonographer for the University Hospital system in Cleveland, Ohio. As her health started to decline, she was seeking answers to the symptoms she was experiencing. One example was falling suddenly without warning. As a result, she had no choice but to take a medical leave from her work. Hoping to recover in order to go back to work was the goal. When the medical leave extension was over and symptoms continued, she had no other choice than to resign from her job. Meanwhile, doctors still had no clue as to what was happening. She was left to feel it must be in her head.

After much testing, the doctors diagnosed her with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) which has much the same characteristics as ALS but is a progressing form of the disease.Unfortunately, the symptoms became more aggressive in the next few months. Living alone became a challenge to her, but Kathy never complained. In early April, she was forced to call 911 after falling at home. She has not been home since.

After weeks in the hospital doctors recommended a rehab facility. She is currently residing at the Brentwood Health Care Facility in Northfield, Ohio.

This horrible disease has left her unable to speak, and not able to walk. Days can be extremely lonely in a strange facility even with visits from family and friends.

In order to improve her quality of life, her son,Tyler, and daughter-in-law,Ashley, have been actively working hard to put all the pieces together to bring their mom back to her own home. Kathy is going to need round the clock care and much needed medical equipment. Caretakers are expensive and insurance companies can be helpful but cruel sometimes. Extra funds would provide incredible relief for the family to offset those items not covered by her insurance company.

Kathy was always the person you could count on to show up wherever she was needed. I recently had the opportunity to visit her. Even through all the pain, uncertainty, and having her whole world turned upside down Kathy’s beautiful smile on the outside reflects the beauty of her soul on the inside. She remains strong, courageous, and hopeful.

Kathy and her family are grateful for anything you are able to contribute. Please pray for a cure!