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My husband, Nathan Hanford, has always been a source of creativity and kindness for those around him. Over the past few years, he began experiencing symptoms that no one could quite explain. After countless appointments and tests, we finally received a diagnosis in July 2025: Multiple System Atrophy, a rare and terminal illness. In June, Nathan had to have a feeding tube placed due to difficulty swallowing, and he is now in hospice care with a prognosis of 3 to 5 years, much of which will be bed-bound. The journey to this point has been long and filled with uncertainty, but Nathan’s resilience and spirit have never wavered.
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is often compared to ALS because of its devastating impact on the body, but MSA is even more complex. It degrades the entire nervous system, affecting not just the muscles but also the autonomic and cognitive nervous systems. For Nathan, this has meant a rapid decline in balance and fine motor skills—he now relies on forearm canes and a wheelchair to maneuver safely. Everyday tasks have become increasingly difficult, and the progression of the disease has touched every aspect of his independence and daily life.
We are raising funds to help build an ADA-accessible home on land we own in Becket, so Nathan can have a comfortable and safe place to live out the rest of his days. This includes everything from design and site development to materials and labor for a small home. While we stay with his parents, we’ll also use some funds to make their house easier for Nathan to navigate. There are medical devices, like a mobile feeding pump and specific bags, that aren’t covered by insurance, as well as the need for a smaller wheelchair that fits our car. Beyond these essentials, we hope to help Nathan fulfill some of his dreams—traveling to Maine, visiting the ocean in Rhode Island, spending time in nature, organizing his beloved iris and dahlia collections, taking a fancy train ride, visiting Mystic Aquarium, seeing the glass flower exhibit at Harvard Museum, and continue to enjoy the atmosphere at beautifully curated restaurants for as long as he is able to. All funds will go directly to Nathan, and he will have direct input on how the money is used. We plan to provide regular updates so you can see the impact of your support.
We would deeply appreciate any support—financial or otherwise. This journey has been made possible by friends and family, and knowing we’re not alone means everything. We understand that many people are facing their own challenges, and we’re grateful to anyone who takes the time to learn about MSA (https://missionmsa.org/what-is-msa/ for more info) and consider helping us. Your kindness and generosity will make a real difference in Nathan’s life and help us create lasting memories together. We look forward to sharing regular updates with you along the way.
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is often compared to ALS because of its devastating impact on the body, but MSA is even more complex. It degrades the entire nervous system, affecting not just the muscles but also the autonomic and cognitive nervous systems. For Nathan, this has meant a rapid decline in balance and fine motor skills—he now relies on forearm canes and a wheelchair to maneuver safely. Everyday tasks have become increasingly difficult, and the progression of the disease has touched every aspect of his independence and daily life.
We are raising funds to help build an ADA-accessible home on land we own in Becket, so Nathan can have a comfortable and safe place to live out the rest of his days. This includes everything from design and site development to materials and labor for a small home. While we stay with his parents, we’ll also use some funds to make their house easier for Nathan to navigate. There are medical devices, like a mobile feeding pump and specific bags, that aren’t covered by insurance, as well as the need for a smaller wheelchair that fits our car. Beyond these essentials, we hope to help Nathan fulfill some of his dreams—traveling to Maine, visiting the ocean in Rhode Island, spending time in nature, organizing his beloved iris and dahlia collections, taking a fancy train ride, visiting Mystic Aquarium, seeing the glass flower exhibit at Harvard Museum, and continue to enjoy the atmosphere at beautifully curated restaurants for as long as he is able to. All funds will go directly to Nathan, and he will have direct input on how the money is used. We plan to provide regular updates so you can see the impact of your support.
We would deeply appreciate any support—financial or otherwise. This journey has been made possible by friends and family, and knowing we’re not alone means everything. We understand that many people are facing their own challenges, and we’re grateful to anyone who takes the time to learn about MSA (https://missionmsa.org/what-is-msa/ for more info) and consider helping us. Your kindness and generosity will make a real difference in Nathan’s life and help us create lasting memories together. We look forward to sharing regular updates with you along the way.