Help Teri Ross Live Her Best Life with ALS

Driving home from the stadium after watching her beloved Cleveland Browns clinch a playoff spot in December 2023, Teri Ross noticed her pinkie finger was drooping on the steering wheel. She dismissed it as a result of exuberant cheering and chair banging. It was the first small sign of a dreaded diagnosis six months later. In June 2024, Teri, 63, with a son and three grandchildren at the center of her world, learned she had ALS-Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a progressive nervous system disorder affecting muscles needed for movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing. There is no cure. Average life expectancy after diagnosis is between two and five years. Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of symptoms.

Originally from Canton, Teri moved to Olympia in Strongsville with her mom, Pat Hammar, seven years ago. Now one year into her diagnosis, the disease has robbed her of many things she enjoyed: her job as office manager at Rudolph Libbe-Gem for the past dozen years where her co-workers became her second family, gardening alongside her mom to create their stunning landscape, workouts at the clubhouse fitness center, and evening power walks around the neighborhood where she greeted all of her furry friends and their owners. She misses simple tasks like brushing her teeth, picking up items, scratching an itch, and the joy of reading stories to her granddaughter. Despite the limitations, she is determined to live her best life.

Teri now relies on in-home care and receives physical and occupational therapy, medications, and specialized equipment to slow the disease’s progression and manage symptoms. Family, friends, and neighbors have rallied around her to offer support during this difficult journey. Teri and Pat are deeply grateful for the meals, calls, visits, and helping hands around the house. Just as Teri was always willing to help others, it’s our turn to help. Your donation to Teri’s Team will help ease the financial burden of ongoing care and equipment not covered by insurance so Teri can focus on living her best life at home. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. Thank you for your love, generosity, and support.