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Nibs Catarino was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1981; he was 22 years old. Prior to his diagnosis, he experienced a brief period of persistent tingling and numbess on the left side of his body. Life quickly proved to him that his symptoms were nothing in comparison to what he would be faced with.
Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease. In short, it is the breakdown of myelin as your body attacks itself; myelin is the protective covering that surrounds your nerves. The word "sclerosis" refers to scar tissue or lesions that appear as the myelin becomes damaged. Unprotected nerves cannot function as they would without normal, healthy myelin and subsequently cause a vast range of symptoms that vary in severity.
Nibs' lifelong journey of fighting began the moment that he was diagnosed. He learned that every muscle in his body was susceptible to being affected by the disease. The scary thing was the question of "When?" remained a mystery. As a family, we desperately searched for available treatments, but the various medications that he was prescribed over the years never worked to their fullest potential because he was always too advanced for their abilities. During the 1980s, Multiple Sclerosis was not a disease that doctors had much education on, let alone treating medications.
Nibs has been paying for his home health care out-of-pocket since 2009. He does not receive any type of assistance from any insurance company. That said, funds are quickly running out as it is now almost ten years later.
Prior to this disease keeping Nibs wheelchair bound, Nibs worked for several years as a product designer for Smith & Wesson. He was loved by all that he worked with and they were very sad to see him go out on disability in 1999. Nibs was always gainfully employed with his passion as a draftsman.
Recently in March 2017, Nibs' father, Anibal, Sr. suffered from a stroke . We are very lucky to still have him with us, but since that time, Nibs' home health care significantly increased. At this point, Nibs is paying over $2,000.00 a week for his care.
NIBS NEEDS HELP - He more than deserves it too!
One thing that remains precious to us is Nibs' beautiful smile and sense of humor. It may be a tough day for him, but laughter is something that keeps all of us grounded. Nibs is armed with the undying love and support of his daughters and father.
Please help us keep Nibs at home! Life is hard enough fighting for your life, but not being able to give 100% where you feel most comfortable is a sin. His only request with this terrible disease has been to allow him to stay at home and be cared for. HELP US ALLOW NIBS THIS GIFT! He has had almost four long decades of fighting. NIBS deserves to be where he wants to be most, which is HOME!
Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease. In short, it is the breakdown of myelin as your body attacks itself; myelin is the protective covering that surrounds your nerves. The word "sclerosis" refers to scar tissue or lesions that appear as the myelin becomes damaged. Unprotected nerves cannot function as they would without normal, healthy myelin and subsequently cause a vast range of symptoms that vary in severity.
Nibs' lifelong journey of fighting began the moment that he was diagnosed. He learned that every muscle in his body was susceptible to being affected by the disease. The scary thing was the question of "When?" remained a mystery. As a family, we desperately searched for available treatments, but the various medications that he was prescribed over the years never worked to their fullest potential because he was always too advanced for their abilities. During the 1980s, Multiple Sclerosis was not a disease that doctors had much education on, let alone treating medications.
Nibs has been paying for his home health care out-of-pocket since 2009. He does not receive any type of assistance from any insurance company. That said, funds are quickly running out as it is now almost ten years later.
Prior to this disease keeping Nibs wheelchair bound, Nibs worked for several years as a product designer for Smith & Wesson. He was loved by all that he worked with and they were very sad to see him go out on disability in 1999. Nibs was always gainfully employed with his passion as a draftsman.
Recently in March 2017, Nibs' father, Anibal, Sr. suffered from a stroke . We are very lucky to still have him with us, but since that time, Nibs' home health care significantly increased. At this point, Nibs is paying over $2,000.00 a week for his care.
NIBS NEEDS HELP - He more than deserves it too!
One thing that remains precious to us is Nibs' beautiful smile and sense of humor. It may be a tough day for him, but laughter is something that keeps all of us grounded. Nibs is armed with the undying love and support of his daughters and father.
Please help us keep Nibs at home! Life is hard enough fighting for your life, but not being able to give 100% where you feel most comfortable is a sin. His only request with this terrible disease has been to allow him to stay at home and be cared for. HELP US ALLOW NIBS THIS GIFT! He has had almost four long decades of fighting. NIBS deserves to be where he wants to be most, which is HOME!
Organizer and beneficiary
Kristine Catarino
Beneficiary