F$&# ALS - Help Dave...Yeah Buddy.
Donation protected
Dave and I were not the best of friends during our time at ePrize - but over time, the projects we "endured" together (and halloween contests) definitely created a special bond. I think that can be said for pretty much everyone that worked at ePrize together, it was crucible that generated relationships between hundreds of people that still stay in contact today.
He's going through something right now that is unacceptable for anyone to go through - and while we can't make it go away, we can rally and provide support in many ways; caring, communication, a surprise Door Dash, or - why you're here...dollars.
ALS requires extensive care, routines, and constant in-person care. 5,000 people are diagnosed with ALS annually. There is no cure, and diagnosis of ALS basically involves ruling out every other neuromuscular disease. Use of your legs, hands, voice become limited and eventually muscles simply don't work.
Technology advances allow some of the symptoms to be overcome, or at least dealt with more easily - as people progressing through ALS look for new and different ways to complete everyday tasks that we take for granted.
Some of the uses for the funds in this GoFundMe:
- Augmental Mouthpad - (watch video) a tongue and head-movement controlled mouse you wear like a retainer. Limited use of the hands makes working with a mouse and phone difficult. This device - developed for individuals with spinal injuries - allows the wearer to more easily control digital devices. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGbYjF_TIVU&t=100s
- Motor Operated Footpad - Dave's new four-wheeler, as cool and advanced as it is, does not have motorized footrests. It's required that someone assist with lowering and raising the footpads in order to get in and out of the vehicle. Getting some after-market upgraded footpads that are motor-controlled will help with independence.
- In-Home Care Support - Hours of support and outside help is expensive. This is somewhere that really only dollars can help. Let's help him pay some bills.
- Whatever else he needs - I'm not acting CFO here, but you can imagine many things that he could use to help him navigate his changing world. What I do know is that he does NOT need a new sound-system...so don't suggest it.
I hope in your head, when you think of whether you should donate - you think in Dave's voice the words "Yeah buddy..."
- Augmental Mouthpad - $1550
- Motorized Footpads - $500
- Motorized Bed - $40,000
- In-Home Care - $999,999
Organizer
Shane Kaszyca
Organizer
Rochester, MI