Help Colin and Molly with ALS-related expenses

I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my brother-in-law, Colin Stewart, and his family — my sister, Molly Windover, and their two kids (ages 15 and 12) — to help lessen the financial burden they face due to Colin’s recent diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease).

As some of you already know, Colin has been experiencing progressive neuro-degenerative symptoms for a few years, and last November, he was diagnosed with Upper Motor Neuron Predominant ALS, a rare variant of the disease. Symptoms and their progression vary from person to person, but in all cases, this terminal disease ultimately results in loss of mobility and muscle motor control, and often difficulties with speech, swallowing, and breathing. Colin is now primarily wheelchair-bound, has difficulties with hand and arm movements, and is beginning to experience slowing of speech as well as some swallowing and breathing concerns.

Given his diagnosis and current symptoms, in February of this year, with a heavy heart, Colin left his position of 26 years as the Associate Professor of Theatrical Technical Direction at Ithaca College. Colin has always had a deep passion for his work and has been employed in the theater field for over forty years, so this change is significant.

Colin and Molly are now facing the overwhelming expenses incurred by this severe disease, just as Colin has transitioned to long-term disability income and now requires almost full-time care.

Because ALS progresses differently for everyone, it’s hard to predict what life will be like at any point in the future. But there are—and will continue to be—ongoing expenses and equipment not covered by insurance, such as a wheelchair-accessible van, an accessible/adjustable bed, and respiratory and communication equipment. Most significantly at the moment, they have begun renovating their home to create a first-floor wheelchair-accessible bathroom and bedroom. When complete, this will be a huge improvement for them day to day.

Colin and Molly feel very lucky to have a robust local network of friends and colleagues who are supporting them amazingly and in various ways as they navigate these challenges. For those of you wondering how to help out from afar, this fundraiser is one way to do that. Any amount helps, and whether or not you are able to give, we also welcome you sharing Colin’s condition and this page with your own network. Thank you!