Help Support Our Family in the Fight Against ALS

Dear friends, family, and kind strangers,

We are reaching out during an incredibly challenging time in our lives. Our beloved husband and father, Peter Damian (Papa) Yahl, was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, on October 8, 2024. After a tumultuous year filled with extensive hospital visits and numerous incorrect diagnoses due to the complex nature of this disease, we have faced intense emotional ups and downs.

Peter Damian is a 56-year-old Army veteran who has dedicated his life to his wife of 25 years, Conny, and their four wonderful children: Joshua (23), Martha (21), Rose-Mary (10), and Noah (7). He has always been the rock of our family, providing love and support through thick and thin. Unfortunately, as his condition progresses, he requires specialized care and medical equipment that is not fully covered by our insurance.

Papa was known as the “Go-To NCO” in the Army and was often referred to as “the hardest-working person I ever met” by his colleagues. He has a remarkable ability to connect with others, always quick to strike up a conversation with strangers or lend a helping hand, and he taught us never to judge others, as “you never know what they are going through.”

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no known cure, and it can be classified into two main types: Familial and Sporadic. Approximately 10% of ALS cases are Familial (inherited), while 90% are Sporadic. The cause of Sporadic ALS remains unexplained, but military veterans are at a higher risk of contracting it. Papa is an Army veteran who had decorated tours of service in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iraq.

Receiving this diagnosis and living with ALS has been emotionally devastating and physically debilitating. The financial burden that accompanies this disease is overwhelming due to the costs of medical equipment, in-home medical care, and personal support. This disease is often referred to as the “Bankruptcy Disease” for a reason.

ALS was first discovered in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, the disease first gained international fame in 1941 when the beloved New York Yankee baseball player Lou “The Iron Horse” Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS given it the popular name in the U.S.A. “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”.

According to many advocacy groups ALS research is completely underfunded that is why there is still no cure in 2024 a 155 years after the disease was first declared in medical findings.

ALS never affects people the same, except the outcome, is always a terminal.

As we confront the reality of rising healthcare costs, we want to ensure that Papa has access to the best possible care during this time, but we cannot do it alone.

Pete needs help now.

Donations will be used for home healthcare assistance, medical equipment (such as wheelchairs and adaptive devices), supplements, and alternative therapies.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference to our family and will be deeply appreciated. Your support will allow us to focus on what truly matters—spending precious time together as a family and ensuring that our Papa receives the dignity and care he deserves.

-Our names are Joshua and Martha Yahl, Peter Damian two oldest children.

-Funds raised will be used for medical cost, alternative treatments, additional therapy (physical, occupational, speech and swallowing), supplements, medical devices and modifications to living space.

-Peter Damian the beneficiary will have the funds managed by his wife Conny.

Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support.

We are grateful to each of you for being part of our journey during this difficult time.

With love and gratitude,

The Yahl Family