Facing ALS Together: Larry’s Fight, Suzanne’s Strength

Help Larry Fight Bulbar-onset ALS

Dear friends, family, and community,

PLEASE HELP.

Larry and Suzanne are facing an unimaginably difficult journey—one for which they could never have prepared.

After more than a year of unexplained and worsening symptoms—including progressive muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and the loss of speech—Larry was recently diagnosed with bulbar-onset ALS, a rare and aggressive form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

What Is Bulbar-onset ALS?

Bulbar-onset ALS attacks the muscles in the face, throat, and neck, making it hard to speak, swallow, and breathe. It’s one of the fastest-progressing forms of ALS, with an average life expectancy of just 2 years after diagnosis.

There is no cure — only therapies to ease the progression.

What Larry Has Lost

Because Larry has trouble walking, limited use of his hands, can no longer speak, and has difficulty swallowing, breathing, and managing fatigue, he is no longer able to do the simple things he once loved, such as:

Golfing with his buddies

Talking and laughing with friends and family

Going to Bruins and Red Sox games

Mowing the lawn

Swimming at the beach

Working out

Going out to dinner

Playing cards

But what he misses most is laughing with Suzanne—it’s just too painful now. That’s hard, because as Larry says, “She’s hilarious.”

Why We Need Your Help

Larry lost his voice almost a year ago. He continued to work for as long as he could, but ultimately, in January, he had to step away from his role as a sales supervisor.

Now, Suzanne—his rock, full-time advocate, and daily source of strength—has taken a leave of absence from her job to become his full-time caregiver.

Larry and Suzanne are doing everything they can to face this diagnosis with strength and grace, but ALS is relentless—emotionally, physically, and financially. They are working to secure long-term disability for Larry, but the process is arduous and the outcome remains uncertain.

On average, the annual cost for ALS care in the U.S. ranges from $100,000 to $200,000.

Your Donation Will Help Cover:

Every Bit of Support Counts

Whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this campaign, your support means the world to Larry and Suzanne.

It not only provides financial help—it also shows Larry that he’s not alone in this fight. That he has a community standing with him, rallying behind him, lifting him up.

Thank you for supporting Larry and Suzanne and for showing them how deeply they are loved.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Robyn Shamah

(Long-time friend of Larry & Suzanne)