Help fulfill my stepdad's dying wish

Hi friends! My birthday is June 11.

In lieu of birthday presents, I want to raise funds to help fulfill my stepdad's dying wish to see Pike's Peak in Colorado. 

John is dying from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), otherwise known as Lou Gherig's disease. His illness is progressing fast and for the most part, he is now wheelchair bound. 

John has been the only father figure in my life for the last 20 years and I love him dearly. Without John, I don't know if I would be the person I am today.

He has supported every one of my hopes and dreams.

- Showing up at all my soccer games

- Driving hundreds of miles every weekend to see my high school show choir perform

- Financially supporting me in college

- Supporting my dream of starting a small business

He is one of the kindest men I have ever known and treats my mother like gold - bringing her fresh flowers every week, opening every door, and giving her kisses at every turn. Seeing their love was an amazing example for what a marriage should look like. 

John is a sports junkie, hard-working union man, and a proud military veteran, having served our country in the armed forces in the 1960's. More than that, he is a man of integrity.

Here are some photos of John in better days: 

Now, this amazing man, so full of life is dying. 

He started feeling symptoms in 2017 and he & my mother went to doctor after doctor trying to figure out what was wrong. It took two years for him to get a diagnosis and to get the care he needed, while he silently suffered and quickly declined.

I am not sure how much longer he has to live. Maybe a few years, maybe less. But those of you who are familiar with ALS know that it destroys you bit by bit until you are trapped in your body, unable to speak or move. There is no cure for this disease and there is no getting around the fact that it progresses quickly and is terminal.

This man, once so full of vigor, now requires round-the-clock care. 

The only thing he wants to do with his remaining time is see Pike's Peak in Colorado.

However, this trip will require significant resources. It will take my parents two days to drive from Ohio so John can ride in comfort in his wheelchair. They will need hotel rooms along the way, plus at least one day of rest before they see the summit. And they want to make this a family affair - for Jordan and me to join them. 

I hope you will consider helping me to fulfill John's dying wish as the greatest birthday present I could ever ask for. John is my hero. He has shown me what true courage looks like.

I hope you will consider contributing. Even $1 will make a difference. 

Thank you. 

Forever grateful, 

Molly Beane