Help Derrick Miller Battle ALS Costs

My name is Derrick Miller. I’m known by many as Derrick, Dad, Poppy, Dee Dee, Uncle D, Brother Miller, and Director Miller (Pathfinders). As some may know, It has been a year and a half since being diagnosed with ALS. My first ALS symptom emerged in January 2023 in the form of muscle twitches in my left leg and shoulders. ALS, (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a cruel and relentless disease, which will completely rob me of my speech, strength, mobility, and ultimately, my life. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. They govern voluntary movements and muscle control. Also causing these motor neurons to degenerate over time until they eventually die. When the motor neurons die, the brain can no longer initiate and control muscle movement. When voluntary muscle action is progressive it affects the ability to speak, eat, move, and breath. There is no cure for ALS. Yet I am writing this to plea for help with a heavy heart.

Just a couple of years ago, I was an athlete running marathons, playing full-court basketball with individuals half my age and playing racket ball. However, my life took an unexpected turn during a 5K race. I began to feel pain in left arm and leg. At first I thought it was a pinched nerve. After seeing many different specialty doctors, multiple tests, and surgery, I was diagnosed with ALS on April 21, 2023.

The costs associated with ALS care, such as specialized adaptive equipment (hospital beds, lifts), home modifications, medical treatment, supplements, a wheelchair accessible vehicle and in-home care which is all out of pocket expenses since insurance wont cover home health aids. (Yes, we searched many avenues to get assistance and it's sad what isn't out there). These caretakers cost anywhere from $18-$85/hour depending on their skills and if they are hired from a homecare group or care the monthly cost could easily reach up to $7,000 per month (which also includes other services). These things have put a tremendous strain on my family’s finances. I am launching this GoFundMe campaign because we need your help at this time to fight this disease. Despite this, I continue to fight and turn to God. The prognosis has also turned my focus to raising awareness and advocating for more patient-centric clinical trials.

Each gift received through this GoFundMe effort will be dedicated to paying medical expenses, covering moving or necessary remodeling costs, and a mobility van so I can still get out and enjoy life with my family and friends. If you aren't able to help at this time, please share this and pass it along so that others can help. Also, please keep me and my family in your prayers so that God will help us through the many ups and downs that come with this diagnosis. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you and will never forget your kindness!