Hi, it's Dave Smith, and I would like to share my story with you.

After a long career in the labour movement advocating and mentoring others, I have to ask for help. It's hard for me to ask for help, uncomfortable. But what can I do? It must be done.

As GoFundMe's follow-up email doesn't link back to this page, if you would like to further help, please take note of the link to this page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/daves-fight-against-als-support-for-home-care.

I had big plans for my post-UFCW 401 life, but fate had other ideas. On the last day on payroll, I received a life-changing diagnosis: ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

ALS is a rapidly progressing neurological disease that causes muscle weakness, twitching, and paralysis. Early symptoms included muscle twitches in the arms, legs, or tongue, muscle cramps, and difficulty with speech or swallowing.

As the disease advances, it will lead to severe disability, affecting my ability to move, speak, and even breathe. I was diagnosed quite late, unfortunately, and within a few short months, I found myself progressing from having a few stumbles to needing a chair to get around, and the debilitation has continued. I now find it impossible to type except with my two thumbs.

The rapidity of the onset of ALS's symptoms has been startling. You hear about it, but to experience this is another thing entirely.

I had retired young, eager to embark on a new chapter in my life. But now, that chapter will never be written. My small pension from UFCW barely covers my mortgage, leaving me with little to spare for the mounting expenses of living with ALS.

To make matters worse, my insurance company, which had finally approved my disability claim in July, cut off my disability insurance without notice on September 1st. They took months to approve my claim, leaving me high and dry when I needed their support the most. I continue to fight for my insurance with no clear outcome in sight.

As my condition progresses, I must make significant changes to my home to maintain my independence and quality of life. These renovations include:

- A lift for my bed so I can get in and out with ease;

- A bath lift to make bathing safe and accessible;

- A ramp to help me navigate my home as my mobility declines;

- transportation costs;

-a wheelchair scooter

- a unique toilet;

- my clothing no longer fits due to dramatic weight loss

And many things too numerous to list here have to be considered.

In addition to these modifications, I needed to hire an assistant to feed, dress me, and clean my house and other essential tasks for primary care. My savings have been depleted.

I never imagined my life would take this turn, but I'm determined to face this challenge head-on. With your help, I can make the necessary changes to my home and secure the care I need to extend my life to live my remaining days to their fullest despite my diagnosis.

Please consider donating to my GoFundMe page to support me on this journey. Your generosity will make a world of difference in my fight against ALS.

As my struggle nears its conclusion, I hope to have any unused portions moved on to help others.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your kindness and support. My pride in working aside, you all have been a source of internal strength, carrying me through these trials.