Evan's ALS Expenses

Hello all!

I wanted to start this GoFundMe me for my sister Marie and her husband Evan.

Evan was diagnosed with ALS this year, turned 34 on July 15th, and they just celebrated their 3rd wedding anniversary in April. It has been challenging and difficult to accept but their friends and family have been providing lots of love and support.

Their first fundraiser will be on August 24 at Jalapeno's in Gloucester, where 10% of food purchases will go to Marie and Evan. If you're able to make a trip to Gloucester for a night out or some delicious takeout it would be tremendously appreciated.

I have had several people reach out because they would like to donate but cannot make it to the restaurant. Since ALS will be a constant presence in their lives, I would like to keep this fundraiser open to help them as expenses arise. Donations big and small will help to give them a little peace of mind.

Your thoughts and generosity are appreciated.

Thank you!!

Christine Ciluffo

Below is an explanation by Marie about Evan's battle.

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Evan started having the first hint of symptoms during the Summer of 2021-Fall of 2021. He was diagnosed early 2022. He now has a team of doctors at the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General Hospital. Evan is now fully dependant on a walker to get around the house and quick errands and a wheelchair for longer outings. He describes his right hand as "basically useless" and his left hand is getting weaker. If you look closely at his arms you will most likely see the twitching (fasciculations) of his muscles. His legs are very stiff and he experiences clonus and spasticity regularly.

The things most people do without thinking is now a challenge for Evan. He needs a shoe horn to put on his shoes and can no longer tie laces. He gets exhausted just getting dressed, and even more so if he has to go to an appointment. He needs assistance carrying his coffee to the bedroom in the morning. He has had multiple falls the past few months and taking a shower can now only be done when someone is at the house. Every room has almost some type of assistive tool or device to aid him when needed.

Evan is now taking multiple medications to help slow the progression of this disease. These medications are not cheap. For example, one medication he takes as an injection is $215 a month and not covered by insurance. He is also most likely going to need more equipment, such as motorized wheelchairs or scooters, a hospital bed, hoyer lifts and more.

We are so appreciative of this fundraiser and any help we receive. This is incredibly difficult to deal with and not the life we had imagined for us. Thank you.

-Marie & Evan Reardon