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Hi, my name is Kim, and I am creating this fundraiser to assist my friend, Mark. Mark was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as motor neuron disease), it is also commonly referred to as ALS and/or Lou Gehrig's Disease.
When Mark was first diagnosed with ALS, he did a lot of research and found that there is very limited funding available for ALS research. He wanted to bring awareness through TikTok and Instagram and making ALS stickers available online. Please see his links below to follow his ALS journey.)
At this point, he has lost the use of his arms and has limited mobility in his hands and fingers. He recently lost his online business due to his lack of mobility. He is having great difficulty with answering his cell phone and working a computer keyboard and mouse. For those of you who know Mark, you know that he loves to create and design stickers and labels to sell through his Etsy store. Mark also enjoys watching TikTok and making TikTok videos. This set back is very hard for him to deal with.
Currently, there is no cure for this disease, the life expectancy is 2-5 years from onset. ALS affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord which causes loss of muscle control. ALS typically begins with muscle twitching and weakness in the arm or leg, trouble swallowing or slurred speech. Eventually, it affects your control of the muscles you need to move, speak, eat and breathe. Mark's symptoms began in July/August of 2023 with muscle weakness in his right arm. He was eventually diagnosed with ALS on July 19, 2024. The ministry took his license away in September of 2024 and he was no longer able to continue with his employment by November of 2024.
The GoFundMe will assist Mark navigate the financial challenges that lay ahead (which may include a Hoyer lift, stairlift, possible renovations to entrance way and bathroom to allow for wheelchair access), assistive technology devices for communication, making memories and his day to day expenses. The future is unknown. The progression of ALS is not predictable, no two cases are alike. You have no idea where the disease is going to effect you next, which makes planning for the future difficult.
Any donation would be greatly appreciated as well as spreading the word. ALS is very under funded. The more awareness we can spread, the better the chance of finding a cure. Thank you for taking time to read our GoFundMe page. Please feel free to share it.
Organizer and beneficiary
Mark Combot
Beneficiary