In This Season of Giving Support Brad Smith (ALS)
Donation protected
Your chance to help a friend …
We’re writing to you today in spite of some protest, and we think you’ll understand why. It's difficult for any of us to ask for help, even more so when the need is dire.
After some months of convincing, even cajoling, our dear friend, Brad Smith, has finally agreed to let us help, and to enlist the help of others.
As you may know, Brad has been diagnosed with ALS, a terminal Neuromuscular disease that cruelly and slowly shuts down the body; although to Tiffany and the kids (7,4,2) it doesn’t feel slow at all. Over the last year Brad has been confined to a wheelchair, and in addition to other difficulties, has lost the complete use of his left arm (tough for a lefty). Speaking is more difficult every day, and his right arm and legs are fading. Every day presents a new struggle that only a year ago was done without thought.
In a talk addressed to his congregation a few months ago (bolstered by Tiffany on one side and 4-year-old Edison on the other, to keep him upright and hydrated), Brad mentioned that, “It is as important to receive service as to give it.” While it was, and still is difficult for him to actually act on that, it really is time for him to face facts of a cruel reality.
Simply stated, Brad needs your help! We have organized this effort to give his friends a chance to serve this wonderful man who has given all of us so much joy, and let's be honest, laughter!
Practically speaking, for Tiffany (Wife of the Year), Brad has reverted to that of a small child that requires constant care-giving. Brad is a large man, but with the mobility of an infant. In fact, mobility has become virtually impossible, and will be completely gone within a few short months (If we are lucky). Tiffany does her best to lift and move Brad. Frankly, this tough Mama needs some support in every sense of the word!
To help, we need to install a lift device in his home so that Tiffany can get him upstairs to the bed and bathroom. Brad and Tiffany also need a form of transportation that will accommodate his wheelchair. Tiffany is his constant companion, and they have to be able to travel together at all times. The Smiths are currently selling both of their non wheelchair friendly vehicles, but the cost of this type of specialized van is substantial. Over time, as mobility continues to decline, other major expenses will crop-up.
Again, let us stress that this plea for help is not from Brad, rather it is from the three of us. To get this effort off the ground – each of us had donated $500 to his Go Fund Me page.
A contribution of as little as $20, $50, or $100 will truly make a difference and of course the more you can give will bless him and his family's life tremendously. Please help us and share the page with anyone looking to give or help? In this season of giving, if you, or anyone you know, are looking to help a worthy family in absolute need, I hope Brad, Tiffany, Lincoln, Edison, and baby Abby will be in your thoughts and hearts. We love and appreciate you.
His Friends,
Matt Lyle, Nick Barber, and Scott Smith
We’re writing to you today in spite of some protest, and we think you’ll understand why. It's difficult for any of us to ask for help, even more so when the need is dire.
After some months of convincing, even cajoling, our dear friend, Brad Smith, has finally agreed to let us help, and to enlist the help of others.
As you may know, Brad has been diagnosed with ALS, a terminal Neuromuscular disease that cruelly and slowly shuts down the body; although to Tiffany and the kids (7,4,2) it doesn’t feel slow at all. Over the last year Brad has been confined to a wheelchair, and in addition to other difficulties, has lost the complete use of his left arm (tough for a lefty). Speaking is more difficult every day, and his right arm and legs are fading. Every day presents a new struggle that only a year ago was done without thought.
In a talk addressed to his congregation a few months ago (bolstered by Tiffany on one side and 4-year-old Edison on the other, to keep him upright and hydrated), Brad mentioned that, “It is as important to receive service as to give it.” While it was, and still is difficult for him to actually act on that, it really is time for him to face facts of a cruel reality.
Simply stated, Brad needs your help! We have organized this effort to give his friends a chance to serve this wonderful man who has given all of us so much joy, and let's be honest, laughter!
Practically speaking, for Tiffany (Wife of the Year), Brad has reverted to that of a small child that requires constant care-giving. Brad is a large man, but with the mobility of an infant. In fact, mobility has become virtually impossible, and will be completely gone within a few short months (If we are lucky). Tiffany does her best to lift and move Brad. Frankly, this tough Mama needs some support in every sense of the word!
To help, we need to install a lift device in his home so that Tiffany can get him upstairs to the bed and bathroom. Brad and Tiffany also need a form of transportation that will accommodate his wheelchair. Tiffany is his constant companion, and they have to be able to travel together at all times. The Smiths are currently selling both of their non wheelchair friendly vehicles, but the cost of this type of specialized van is substantial. Over time, as mobility continues to decline, other major expenses will crop-up.
Again, let us stress that this plea for help is not from Brad, rather it is from the three of us. To get this effort off the ground – each of us had donated $500 to his Go Fund Me page.
A contribution of as little as $20, $50, or $100 will truly make a difference and of course the more you can give will bless him and his family's life tremendously. Please help us and share the page with anyone looking to give or help? In this season of giving, if you, or anyone you know, are looking to help a worthy family in absolute need, I hope Brad, Tiffany, Lincoln, Edison, and baby Abby will be in your thoughts and hearts. We love and appreciate you.
His Friends,
Matt Lyle, Nick Barber, and Scott Smith
Organizer and beneficiary
Matt Lyle
Organizer
Salt Lake City, UT
Bradford Smith
Beneficiary