Help Support Sophie’s ALS Diagnosis

In March 2022 my sister, Sophie Morgan, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, at 32 years old. An absolutely devastating and incurable condition, ALS is a progressive motor neuron disease that causes gradual weakening and wasting of the muscles. Little by little, she permanently loses abilities and functions that allow her to walk, talk, eat, and move. Therefore the goal of her care team is to improve her many symptoms and slow her heartbreaking progression.

Sophie is the most beloved daughter, sister, wife, and mom to her three young kids. Sophie’s heart-wrenching diagnosis has shocked and devastated our entire family to the core, and continues to challenge us as we acquaint ourselves with the cruel realities of this disease. In the past year since diagnosis we have learned so much and have been shown how key community is. Our family has shown up in every possibly way to provide love and support. ALS Nevada immediately rallied around Sophie and our family, offering knowledge, comfort, equipment, and resources for the whole family. We are so grateful and fortunate that Soph has been able to receive exceptional care from the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, where her progression is evaluated every four months, and any cutting edge treatments and technology advances are made available to her. Additionally, she continues to have the amazing local medical equipment supplier Care Chest of Northern Nevada, providing many equipment options for her ever-changing needs. The support we have received up to this point has been fundamental to Sophie’s success in care.

While constant and evolving treatment is crucial in providing Sophie the best possible quality of life, it is largely not covered by most insurance carriers and the financial burden is significant. Both Sophie, who has been disabled by her disease, and our mom Nema, who retired in order to move in with Soph to provide her 24/7 care, have suffered complete loss of income, at a time when medical financial needs are compounding exponentially. As the disease progresses, the needs only intensify.

By seeking out support from our community Sophie will be able to use these donations for life-changing technology and support, such as an eye-gaze device that will allow her to continue to communicate with those around her as her ability to speak gradually weakens, as well as medications, medical bills, and the support of her care team and family as they battle against this disease.

This disease is challenging. Not only in the way it presents itself, but in the helplessness that can often times accompany a terminal diagnosis. Yet through it all Sophie has been incredibly brave and finds the light in every day. Your support gives hope in the helplessness; it is so meaningful and the impact is immediate. Words cannot express how much we appreciate your help.