Help Brian and Julie Parker as Brian battles MSA

I am Amber Townsend, and I am raising money for my friends Brian and Julie Parker. Brian is suffering from a rare, fatal brain disease called Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). I will reprint a letter from Brian and Julie that describes this horrible disease in more detail a little further down.

Brian is only 52, and has recently had to quit working. This disease is progressing much faster than the people at Mayo Clinic ever thought it would. The disease is taking a toll on their family and their finances. Short term disability helps a little, but it is just that…short term. Unfortunately their health insurance runs out next month, and Cobra is extremely expensive.

Brian is currently waiting to hear about his Social Security Disability, but that takes time. In the mean time expenses keep mounting. Between normal household expenses which were not a problem when Brian was working, trips to Mayo and lodging, getting their youngest son settled into college and medical expenses not covered by insurance, this wonderful couple is facing a financial tailspin.

One thing I have to say…I have never seen a couple so grounded in their faith in our Lord. They cling to him and praise him for all the blessings he provides to them on a daily basis.

Here is a letter to you from Julie and Brian:

Beautiful friends and family! Thank you for your prayers as we have navigated a hard/difficult road at Mayo Clinic, U of M, and Bronson hospital over these past years. We feel so Blessed by you all, The Dr’s, Nurses, and Staff. The reality is… things haven’t changed (as we had hoped) but… we aren’t beaten by this, but encouraged. We feel that even though the diagnosis is grim… We believe in miracles and won’t stop! Many have asked what Brian is battling and how they can help. We want to share that with you. Brian has a rare fatal brain disease called Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). It attacks all the anatomic functions, such as speech, balance, breathing, etc. Things we do every day without thinking are all effected with this brutal disease. We have been traveling to Mayo Clinic and meeting with many doctors along this journey. They have not given up on Brian and are trying Everything they can to slow this disease down. It has been exhausting, hopeful, heartbreaking, and bittersweet all at the same time. No words can describe this journey, but we have tried. Financially challenges are starting to arise as Brian fights this battle. We were encouraged to share with you this journey Brian has been fighting over the last 3 years. We feel so Blessed by you all! With your words of encouragement and your support!! Blessings to you all and your families! Brian and Julie