Our Tanya needs help. After a devastating diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gerigs disease which progresses to locked in syndrome and death within 3-5 years), we need to raise funds to move her and her 3 kids to a better home before she needs a wheelchair). any amount will help. Tanya is literally the most generous person who has helped and impacted all she has met. Please give. Her motto is #letslive while we can.

y closest, longest friend/sister, a beloved South Lyon school bus driver, dearest coworker, most generous friend, happiest Starbucks Barista, most selfless soul, courageous single mom, has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Tanya‘s progressive weakness over the past year has led to significant challenges and as of October 7th she can no longer drive her beloved “bus babies” or work at all.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare, terrible, incurable disease and while we hope she has many years to share her contagious smile, the doctor has said her average life expectancy is 1-4 years.

She and her children need our help. While we hope she has many years left, her mind is on her 3 children (Robert, 20; Edward, 18; and Taryn, 16). In addition to her personal and mobility needs, her house will need modifications and she will likely have less income from SSDI than she did before working 2 jobs to make ends meet.

We want to bless Tanya and her kids and make their worries a little less. Tanya has been there for so many of us and we want to be there for her in whatever ways we can. She is the first person to send a text checking in or to keep a group of old friends together. She always puts others first and celebrates them (think Mr. Tony! Or her bus kids every Christmas and end of year). She’s donated anything she could, raised money for those in need and for Detroit dog rescue.

Thank you to all who have given so far. Tanya is beyond grateful. The previous GiveSendGo was closed so we are starting a new fund. While we have raised enough to carry her thru the next two months of no income, we want to support her in the coming months and years as well.

She will need to move to a more accessible and safe home in the next 6-12 months and we’ll need to raise the funds and apply for grants to make that happen before she is in a wheelchair.

She will also have significant bills with copays for the multiple services she requires. She begins regular PT and OT going twice a week and will need rides. She’ll work on strengthening and balance and fall prevention. She’s having lot of hand and shoulder pain right now so pray for that.

She is looking forward to seeing all of her loved ones, bus kids and everyone at the spaghetti dinner. Even if you can just stop by for a photo, she would cherish that memory.

Adding to the list of ways to help Tanya!

Venmo: Tanya-Akrawi

Zelle: Tanya Akrawi

November 23rd: Benefit dinner with 50/50 and auction with great prizes (LOVE FOR TANYA Benefit Dinner). She would love to see all of her bus kids and friends and family at this dinner and take pictures and make memories:)

LOVE FOR TANYA Benefit Dinner -

https://www.facebook.com/share/t5SRucLHXvnUYNkL/?mibextid=9l3rBW

#letslive