Help Us Hire a Caregiver

My name is Sally. In August 2019, I was diagnosed with ALS. Since then, my life has changed completely.

I can no longer walk, speak clearly, or take care of myself on my own. My partner Steven has been my sole caregiver for nearly five years. Every single day, he helps me get out of bed, shower, get dressed, eat, take my medication, and manage daily life. He also runs our wine shop, Denver Wine Merchant, full time.

We built our shop from nothing—just the two of us. We’ve done everything ourselves.We have no formal support system. No steady help from family. And it has taught us something quietly devastating: that love, even when it is deep and loyal, can be sidelined by people’s discomfort. ALS frightens people. It interrupts their comfort, their plans, their daily lives. And most people, when pressed to choose between empathy and convenience, they choose convenience.

But at this point, we need help.

We’re raising funds to hire a professional caregiver so Steven can get some relief. He’s been doing the work of five people for too long. He needs time to rest, recharge, and simply live his own life without carrying every burden alone.

We aren’t wealthy. We rent a one-bedroom apartment. Our business is successful, but ALS is financially devastating. Full-time care is expensive, and we’ve stretched as far as we can.

Your donation will go directly toward in-home caregiving support. Every dollar makes a difference. Whether you’re able to donate or simply share this with someone who can, we’re grateful.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for being here.

—Sally