Help Paul Tickenoff Fight ALS

Paul Tickenoff has always been a mover and a shaker in the world of gymnastics.  A former world team gymnast and now an esteemed judge, Paul helps kids move up in gymnastics as they reach their goals.  

Now, Paul faces the challenge of his life as he wages war against ALS.  Diagnosed in mid-2016, Paul and his caring wife, Linda, have been fighting a great battle against this horrid disease.  Sharp as a tack, this gentle soul bravely adapts to his body as he continues to lose control.

But there is...no...cure.  Basically, with ALS, your mind is just fine but the body slowly freezes up as you become a stranger in your own skin.

As with most ALS sufferers, Paul is is beginning to need more assistance to keep moving.  He will soon need a special wheelchair designed for ALS patients.  He will also soon need a home health nurse to help with just the basic necessities of life.  Simple things we all take for granted: eating, sitting in a chair, and even scratching his nose.

Paul has never been one to ask for help.  He's always the one offering to help others.  He and Linda heavily rely on their faith and their usual "get-it-done" attitude to muddle through the tough times.  However, his symptoms are progressively inhibiting Paul's independence.  Paul's needs are becoming difficult to manage without the assistance of the wheelchair and an aide.

The wheelchair costs around $30,000 and Paul will need it sooner than later.  The nurse will cost at least $1,000 a month initially and the costs will rise as his needs increase.  Linda is working at a local gymnastics training center but having that kind of cash is a tall order.

The wheelchair will keep Paul moving - giving him some freedom and control over where he goes.  And the nurse will help both of them as they deal with the audacities of being robbed of control over your body.

Paul has made such a big contribution to the community and specifically to the gymnastics world.  He has won many prestigious awards including the Nissen Emery Award, The Hiroshi Fujimoto Award, and the National Gymnastics Judges Association Judge of the Year West.  He has touched so many people and made a big difference.  We are honored to help him out!

The hope is that we can stave off the ravages of the disease as new treatments are developed that can impede or halt the progression.

Until then, anything you can do to help defray the cost of these items, the increased medical costs and even an occasional meal or two will help Paul and Linda as they fight the great fight to keep moving.