Help Steve Pflaum Replace ALS Equipment After Apartment Fire

Steven and Kelly Pflaum, long standing members of the New City, NY community and residents at the Harbors condo complex in Haverstraw, NY, survived a fire that originated from a neighboring unit early Friday morning, June 21st. The fire destroyed all of their personal belongings as well as all of Steve’s medical equipment that he relies on to help with his ALS disease. Steve was diagnosed with ALS 9 years ago and has lost nearly all muscle mobility in his legs and arms. Unfortunately, when the fire broke out in their bedroom he was confined to his bed until a local fireman entered the burning building, heard his calls for help, and brought him to safety so he could be transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation. While Steve recovers, his family is working to secure wheelchair accessible housing, as their home was deemed uninhabitable for the foreseeable future. Their immediate priority is to replace the destroyed and extremely costly medical equipment, including Steve's customized power wheelchair.

Our dad, Steve, has been incredibly optimistic through this ordeal, not to mention his ALS diagnosis. Those that know him marvel at how he has maintained such a positive attitude in the face of adversity. A photo was taken of him following the fire rescue and while he was covered in smoke stains, he was STILL smiling. This is the perfect example of Steve's character.

ALS, sometimes known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare, terminal neurodegenerative disorder, that results in the progressive loss of both upper and lower motor neurons that normally control voluntary muscle contraction. Motor neuron loss typically robs the person of the abilities to eat, speak and move, and ultimately breathe. It requires specific equipment, and special housing and care.

Please help them navigate this devastating time.