Hello friends and family,

I am writing to provide an update on my brother's health and to request some assistance (which he would never seek) to purchase the necessary orthopedic appliances. Approximately eleven years ago, he received a diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy (Miyoshi Myopathy) and has been managing his condition as effectively as possible. Despite experiencing changes in mobility, he has maintained a positive attitude and sense of humor. Recently, he suffered a severe fall after a long flight, which necessitated assistance to the vehicle (which you know he hated), causing him discomfort.

He was in significant pain and required medical attention to assess the damage. Once seen by the doctor, he was diagnosed with a high-grade tear of the MCL, a low-grade tear of the PCL and ACL (proximal tear), tears on both sides of the meniscus, and microfractures of the knee where the bones meet. Sounds pretty painful, but he is starting to feel better. The fear of surgery is very real; if he is unable to walk for a number of months to heal, he is uncertain if he will be able to walk again. The doctor shared some information with my brother that could potentially help him move around more effectively. They are braces for his knees and ankles, but they are pretty costly. My brother did reach out to the MDA to see if they would help with the costs, and they came back with a $500 grant. Please don't think we aren't grateful, because anything helps, but for my brother, who has raised MANY thousands of dollars for them over the past 11 years, you'd think they might have been just a tad bit more generous.

My brother is one of the most selfless and generous people I know and would hate that I am even asking for help, but here I am.

Please help with the cost of these most expensive braces to help my baby brother walk better and fall less. This is such a high expense, and it will take quite some time to save for, and honestly, who knows how much longer he will be able to use his legs so well. Help us give the gift of the use of his legs just a tad bit longer.

We appreciate all of you and thank you for considering donating.

Love from our WHOLE family.