Donate to help Ted Hunter with ALS

Hi, my name is Ted Hunter. I live in Greensboro, NC. I've been on a rough road these past 3 years. I have been battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Unlike many people with ALS before me, my progression has been very slow. For that, I am very thankful.

I've made many adjustments along the way -- from walking with a cane to using a walker, then a rollator and adding ankle/foot orthotics. I have upgraded my bathroom with grab bars, raised toilet seats with arm handles, a shower hose and shower chair, and major changes to bathroom doors for easier access. Recently I was able to purchase a motorized wheelchair through generous donations received. I've had in-home health care with physical therapists, nurses, speech and occupational therapists. I have been in and out of out-patient neuro rehabilitation for a total of ten months now. I have paid out of pocket for CNAs at $25-30/hr to come by a few times a week to clean my house, do laundry, and give rides to doctor appointments, the pharmacy, and for grocery shopping, etc.

I am retired and on a fixed income. I rely on help from family and friends. In December 2022, I had two bad reactions to a new ALS medication. I ended up in the hospital for 12 days. While I was there they found an atrial flutter, which needed to be addressed. I came in weighing 217 lbs and left at 202 lbs. I lost some muscle mass as well.

I was released from the hospital on Dec 20th to a nursing rehab facility. Since my stay here I have lost another 12 lbs. Rehabilitation has been a slow process but I have been discharged from physical and occupational therapy. Today is February 20, 2023. We're moving towards a discharge date from the facility which could be in the next few weeks.

In working with my social worker my best option right now is to move into Assisted Living. I live by myself and my home is not safe: 4 steps to the front door, 14 steps downstairs to the washer/dryer. I was asked if there was a fire could I get out of the house by myself and the answer was no. My home was broken into on 1/13/23 while I was here in rehab; the 4th time in 25 years. I do not have a handicap ramp to the house.

My ALS started in my lower extremities and then showed up in my tongue area, called Bulbar. My upper body strength is still good. I use my arms for getting up and for balance when I transfer. I love what one of the CNAs here said. She calls me "Spaghetti Legs!" I have good doctors at the ALS clinic at Duke University. They have done many clinical trials and have documented 57 ALS reversals. What I love about Duke University is that they are also open to alternative medicines as well. I have been using the Deanna Protocol for over six months on my own. The results I have noticed are 1) slightly improved speech; 2) less spasticity in my legs; and 3) better muscle coordination in my fingers to where I can now tie my shoestrings.

The goal of my fundraiser is to have enough money to fund six months of Assisted Living. This would help take some strain off myself and my family. I'm shooting for a goal of $36,000. That's an average cost of $6,000/mo in my local area. My social worker is investigating possibilities of finding an opening in the Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, Jamestown, Burlington areas. I will keep everyone updated as things unfold.

I hope that my fundraiser will bring awareness to ALS and that many of you will start a community fundraiser to help find a cure! A good place to start is ALS.org.

I am appreciative of any donation in any amount. I thank you for your support.

Ted Hunter

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