On June 19, 2025, life as the Peters’ knew it changed forever. Dexter was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also know as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, at the age of 37. It’s a cruel, unrelenting disease that turns your own body against you, attacking your ability to move, speak, eat, and eventually breathe. Doctors say there’s no cure, no definitive cause, and, for most, no hope. But for anyone who knows Dexter, you know giving up has never been an option and he places total faith in Jesus.

Dexter is an avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast. His passion for the outdoors is relentless and he pours his heart and soul into all his hunting and fishing excursions. If he’s guiding a friend, he’ll work tirelessly to ensure that they punch their tag or catch their limit of fish. If you’re lucky enough to join him on an outdoor adventure, it’ll be one for the books.

When he’s not out catching the fish or hunting, you’ll find him organizing sports memorabilia and cards, or watching whatever sport is on TV – he will likely give you a play-by-play before the announcers do. Good luck trying to stump him on any stat.

Above all these hobbies, Dexter’s greatest joy in life is the love for his family. He’s been married to his high school sweetheart, Gretchen, for 11 years and they’ve been together as a couple for 21 years. In September 2024, they welcomed their son, Callahan, who is their biggest blessing to date.

Instead of getting to "enjoy" the ups and downs of new parenthood, Dexter's life has been filled with countless medical visits over the last year. What began as right-hand weakness turned into a surgery, countless tests, appointments, and finally, a devastating diagnosis. ALS is rare for someone at his age, and he’s part of the 0.6% diagnosed under 40. Now he is facing the fight of his life.

Dexter’s Fight

ALS is known for its devastating prognosis. The average life expectancy is 2–5 years. The only FDA-approved medications extend life by a mere 3 months. But he refuses to accept those odds.

Since his diagnosis, they are exploring every possible avenue—clinical trials, alternative therapies, regenerative treatments, and supplements. There’s no guide for beating ALS, but Dexter is determined to make his own path.

Promising treatments, like regenerative stem cell therapy, voltage therapies, and experimental B-12 shots have given them hope. However, these therapies are exorbitantly expensive and are not covered by insurance. Dexter traveled to Mexico for his first stem cell treatment, and each of these trips will cost $10,000. If the treatments go well, Dexter will plan to travel to Mexico three times a year. They’re also exploring clinical trials, and Dexter started his first drug trial in Chicago at the end of September 2025. He will travel to Chicago five times throughout the next year. Unfortunately, the costs with travel will not be covered by the trial.

Other anticipated future costs include:

Bathroom remodel $20,000

Mobility vehicle $50,000-$100,000

Further alternative treatments in Panama City or Tijuana up to $50,000 per treatment

Medical care in the US

Loss of wages for Gretchen with future travel and limited PTO

Despite the financial and emotional burden ALS brings, he’s not giving up. Dexter’s dream is simple—to watch his son grow up, be there for his first athletic events, his high school graduation, and beyond.

A Note from the Peters

Dexter is so much more than this diagnosis. He is a loving husband, a devoted father, a dedicated son and brother, a loyal friend, and someone who has always been there to help others in their time of need.

We’re humbly asking for your support to help fund these critical treatments, home modifications, and anticipated future expenses. Your generosity will allow Dexter to access therapies that could slow the progression of this disease and give him the gift of time—time to create memories with our family, time to fight for a cure, and time to live.

Through this incredibly challenging time, we are grateful for the love and support of our family, friends, and community. Your support through prayers, words of encouragement, sharing this page, and donations mean the world to us. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference in our journey.

We sincerely thank you,

The Peters