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Help Ben Pacheco Fight ALS

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I am writing this for my eldest brother Ben. He just turned 48 years young. On Thanksgiving day 2016 we found out the chances of my brother having ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease) were extremely high and by Christmas our fears were confirmed. This definitely made for a difficult yet special holiday season. This fatal disease can be aggressive and life expectancy is between two and five years after diagnosis. ALS is a neurological disorder that hardens the nerves causing them not to fire which in turn causes the muscles to atrophy from lack of use and eventually the nerves that tell your heart to beat and your lungs to breathe will stop transmitting signals. 

My brother has lost movement of his arms,  and now needs help to even perform the basic things in life. The disease progresses rapidly and my brother was forced to retire within 6 months. They have lost a battle with Aflac insurance for his critical illness policy. By the grace of God Ben and Barb have kept joy in their hearts.

Recently, we went on a cruise as a bucket list item. My brother and his amazing wife Barb truly thought this would be the last vacation they could take because of the progression of the ALS. While touring the ship we had the chance to speak to the acupuncture specialist, Dr. Arun MD & DOM. He told us that he had treated many MS patients with a combination of Eastern and Western medicine. My brother Ben told him he had ALS. Instantly Dr. Arun MD & DOM, said “I can help you” and he continued to go over info and explain how he is a neurological acupuncture specialist.

Dr. Arun MD & DOM, said he could not cure the disease but could help bring back movement to help enjoy life better. Ben and Barb said, "Let’s give it a shot, what do we have to lose." After 1 treatment my brother could lift his arms to his chest. Dr. Arun MD & DOM, told me "Ben almost came to tears with joy." Remember, my brother Ben could not open doors, feed himself or brush his teeth... basically anything that requires your arms, hands or fingers. They continued to see Dr. Arun MD & DOM the rest of the week and each day he gained more movement.

At the end of the week, Ben could shake hands, pick up small items and he could even grab the remote and turn up the volume. My brother could give his wife a hug for the first time in over 6 months! It was a small hug and he could barely squeeze but this simple act of a hug, brought tears of joy to our mother, his daughters and many others. For Ben to hug again was thought to be impossible from other doctors. God put us in the perfect situation and we found this amazing, caring doctor.

This type of neurological acupuncture can only be performed by a neurological specialist. Dr. Arun has referred Ben to go see the doctor who trained him, located in California, Prof. Zhu, L.Ac.  My brother Ben will need continual acupuncture treatments. So Prof. Zhu, L.Ac. helped us find a closer doctor in Albuquerque, NM. This will involve travel for about a week at a time every month. The great news is, we have family in the area for them to stay with. Sadly, none of this will be covered by insurance and the expenses for treatment, travel and so on are estimated at $1,200 per trip.  

We are asking you to share anything you can to help make this possible. Currently the only medical treatment for ALS are pills that “help slow the progression” however this neurological acupuncture can actually help return the movement my brother has lost.

My big brother Ben, with continual acupuncture treatments and with physical therapy, can work on retraining his body and regain back his muscle mass. The joy that my brother has had in the past couple weeks has been amazing! He has a new hope because the remaining part of his life can be more enjoyable.

Our family is asking for your help. Your kindness, generosity and love for another person that you may not know will be a blessing to not only us but to others with ALS that we can tell about this neurological acupuncture.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for any help or prayers you can offer.  Please share this with others!  

Ben's 48th birthday party. Son, brother, father, cousin, uncle, God father, friend, mentor, coach, life of the party :) Most of all, child of God.

Father of three children, two girls, one boy, one step daughter and three grandchildren, one boy and two girls.

Our parents 50th wedding anniversary July 17, 2015

Ben, soccer coach from youth level to high school and soccer referee same levels as coaching also coached numerous youth sports. Played adult league soccer until unable to due to ALS.

Ben kicking the ball with his players.

Ben and our brother Josh, East High Varsity assistant coach and head coach.

Ben and his favorite sister (only sister) Paula

Our Dad, Me, (Matt), Ben and Josh. Ben from grill master to lead grill coach after the ALS :)

The best brothers and sister God could bless us with.  May God bless you and your family with many joyful memories, just as God has bless our family.
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Donations 

  • Emilio Maldonado Jr.
    • $120 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Matthew Pacheco
Organizer
Pueblo, CO
Barbara Cox Pacheco
Beneficiary

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