Fighting for ALS and Positive Covid-19

Hi everyone, I hope this story will touch your heart.

I am Melanie, a Registered Nurse in the Philippines and through Immigration Canada, Donald Genier hired me as a Live-In Caregiver way back in 2015. Donald is smart, incredible employer, friend, great son and brother to his family and a loving father to his children. I am setting up this fundraiser to help support Donald financially to buy medical device (hospital bed, suction), supplies and all relevant costs. He is a retired O.P.P. officer who devoted his life serving the community to provide a peaceful and safe environment for everyone. He is a person with a beautiful soul who goes above and beyond to help everyone. He is the most selfless and generous person I know. Also, I consider him as an incredible warrior.

Donald was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2004. It’s a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control currently there is no cure. He’s been fighting this disease for 18 years now. He did a lot of treatments like acupuncture in China, stem cell therapy, going to Mexico for treatment and all on his own expense to slow the progress of ALS. He will do everything to extend his life. Having ALS is a tough battle that slowly weakens his body, leading to the loss of ability to stand, walk and speak clearly. In seven years working with him as a caregiver, he inspired and touched my heart to treasure every single moment because despite the changes in his physical ability, he never gives up and is always wearing the most beautiful smile on his face. Cherishing every moment, Donald can spend more time with his family and friends and most importantly, continue his fighting spirit and motivation to battle this disease. He stayed positive through tremendous changes. He deserves to live longer and make more beautiful memories.

But due to the pandemic, everything took a turn for the worse. Now, he’s not only fighting ALS but also with Covid-19. On August 12, 2022 he caught Covid 19 and has been admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) on August 17, 2022 and remains there today. On his first night in the hospital, he was continuously coughing and had difficulty breathing which lead him to suffered from respiratory problem. It broke my heart seeing him struggling with his breathing. No medication and high flow oxygen could help him to lessen his discomfort and pain. The last result was to intubate him and breath with the help of mechanical ventilator. I could see in Donald’s eyes that he was determined to fight and survive no matter the situation. After three days, his situation worsened and the doctors decided to do the tracheostomy which is an opening created through the neck into the trachea (windpipe) to allow direct access to the breathing tube. The tracheostomy tube helps him to continue life with the help of the ventilator machine. Now he’s responsive and mentally capable in decision making. He wants to be taken care of in the comfort of his own home. On October 4, 2022 he learned from his doctor that he needs a ventilator machine for life and all the necessary medical supplies. When he heard about the extensive costs associated with the medical device, supply and relevant cost, I notice him in deep thinking. To lessen his financial burden, I created this fundraising to help him with the astronomical cost of medical device such as suction machine, hospital bed, supplies and all relevant costs that he will need at home. We are knocking on your generous heart to support Donald’s financially in this fight. Any donation would be greatly appreciated, and any amount given will truly make a huge impact. Most importantly, we also hope you can whisper a prayer for Donald’s continued recovery.

On behalf of Donald, their closest friends and the entire Genier family, we appreciate the outpouring of love and support shown over the past few weeks and undoubtedly in the months and years to come. He has the most amazing and supportive family and friends that will be beside him. He also has the best team of doctors and professionals who will do everything in their power to help him.

All funds will go directly to Mr. Donald Genier to support his care. Thank you so much.