Chuck Frechette's ALS Journey

Hi, my name is Glenda and I'm a friend of Chuck Frechette. He is a Veteran who has ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease): a terrible disease that will ultimately find him unable to move, bedridden and, most likely, will require the use of a ventilator so he can breathe. He wishes to stay in his home until the end of his journey. We'd like to help him with that wish. Anything you can do to help this man, who has bravely served his country and, most likely, gotten the disease as a result of his service, would be helpful. His expected life expectancy is 2 years; our fundraiser hopes to cover that care for that time period. Chuck has served his country, will you help him now? Here is his story in his own words.

Hi, my name is Chuck Frechette. I am a 72 -year-old man living alone in my home in Sedro Woolley, WA. My friends, family (and my caregivers) tell me that I am a really nice guy with a really nice dog and we are very easy to get along with. Unfortunately, I have ALS (diagnosed about a year ago) and have a current life expectancy of 2 years. I am a Veteran and the VA pays for some of my care, but not all.

Asking for help is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do; however I'd like to stay in my home as my disease progresses. I've struggled with the diagnosis as anyone would; I've been angry, depressed, in denial, and have finally reached some degree of acceptance that this is the journey that I am on.

I'm covering the cost of care so far with VA support (8 hours a day) and my own funds from social security and VA disability payments. My friends and family have been staying with me at night but I know that is not sustainable over the next 2 years. I'm hoping to share my home with a nursing student for some of that care. I'm still short about $5,000 a month. I'm asking for any help to cover that amount which would be $120,000 over the next 2 years. Funds will only be used to pay the caregivers and any unused funds will be donated to the national ALS foundation. Any help you can give me will be much appreciated. Thank you for supporting me and other ALS sufferers. With love... Chuck