Help Becky Walk Again – Mom of 7 Fighting Rare Paralysis

Hello, my name is Melissa Lukas, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my dear friends Laura Rebecca (Becky) and Damon Gergar — an extraordinary family now facing the unimaginable.

Sudden Onset & Life-Changing Diagnosis

Becky’s life changed in a matter of days.

On the morning of May 1st, 2025, she noticed numbness and weakness on her right side — first in her right leg, then in her right arm. As the day progressed, her condition rapidly worsened until she lost all movement in her right leg and right arm and was rushed to the hospital.

Doctors quickly began emergency testing. Within 48 hours, she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis (TM) — a rare, inflammatory condition of the spinal cord that can cause partial or total paralysis. Only 1 to 8 people per million in the U.S. are diagnosed with TM each year.

A week later, her symptoms suddenly spread to her left side. The same terrifying pattern repeated — numbness and weakness progressed, and soon she had lost significant function in her left leg as well.

Further testing revealed that Becky’s TM was triggered by an underlying case of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) — an autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent neurological damage.

In Becky’s case, the MS attack was so sudden and severe that it caused extensive spinal cord lesions (C4 to C7) — leaving her with:

    •    Complete paralysis of her right leg

    •    Severe weakness in her left leg (which is slowly improving with therapy)

    •    Limited movement in her arms and hands (which she is gradually regaining)

Current Status

Becky is currently undergoing intensive inpatient occupational and physical therapy at Danbury Hospital. Her recovery will be long — potentially many months to a year or more — with no guarantee of full function returning.

She has been away from her family and children since May 1st — and the separation has been heartbreaking.

Her youngest daughters, Josie (age 3) and Scarlett (age 8), have always been especially attached to their mom and now ask every day when Mommy is coming home. Both girls are showing troubling signs of emotional distress as they struggle to cope with this new reality.

Her doctors have told the family that this next phase of inpatient rehab will be critical in determining how much function she may ultimately regain.

Why This Family Needs Your Help

Becky does not have disability benefits or paid leave through her part-time job as a therapist.

Together, Becky and Damon are raising seven children:

   •    Josie (3)

    •    Scarlett (8)

    •    Three school-aged boys: ages 12, 13, and 15

    •    Two older sons: ages 18 and 20 (still living at home)

Damon — a retired 21-year NYPD detective and 9/11 first responder — spent his career protecting children from predators. Today, he trains law enforcement on tracking criminals that use cryptocurrency. But now his most important mission is helping Becky recover and caring for their seven children through this overwhelming time.

With Becky unable to drive, Damon has taken on full responsibility for driving, transportation, household duties, and parenting — all while needing to travel frequently for work, adding to the family’s emotional, physical, and logistical challenges.

The financial strain is enormous:

    •    Medical bills

    •    Childcare needs

    •    Groceries, transportation, daily essentials for seven children

    •    Home modifications to allow for wheelchair access and safety

    •    Maintaining the household while Damon balances work and caregiving

How Your Donation Will Help

Every dollar raised will go directly to:

    •    Ongoing medical and rehabilitation expenses

    •    Home modifications for wheelchair access and safety

    •    Helping the family adjust as Damon takes on full responsibility for driving, transportation, and household needs — while also needing to travel frequently for work

    •    Groceries, childcare, and daily essentials for their young and school-aged children

    •    Helping this family stay strong — emotionally, physically, and financially — through this long and uncertain journey

The Urgency

Becky will be discharged from rehab June 11th — but her recovery is far from over.

She’ll be returning home still facing major mobility challenges, ongoing therapy, and the daily struggle of adapting to life with limited movement.

Your support now can help ease this transition and give Becky the best chance to keep progressing and regain her independence.

No gift is too small — every bit truly helps.

If you can’t donate, please share this campaign with your networks — friends, family, first responders, therapist communities, mom groups, church groups, anyone who can rally for this family.

Let’s lift Becky up — just as she has lifted so many others.

From the bottom of my heart, & on behalf of the Gergar family, thank you.

With love and gratitude,

Melissa