Hello! We are Gina Montenaro and Maria Guarraci. We are writing to you on behalf of our wonderful sister-in-law, Alexa (Storch) Montenaro. Alexa is married to our brother Pete and they live in Oak Park, IL with their two children, Aurora (5) and Kai (3.) In late fall of 2024, Alexa started experiencing some concerning symptoms beginning with upper leg muscle weakness. In the past year, Alexa has lost nearly all motor functioning and requires a breathing mask 24/7. As one would expect, she is also battling mental health challenges.

There is no definitive test for ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease) but that is her current diagnosis from her medical providers. There is little to nothing that the doctors can do to treat ALS. However, some of the conditions that mimic ALS and also match up with Alexa's symptoms, often respond to a treatment called IVIG. Because Alexa's current diagnosis is ALS, and because ALS is not treatable though IVIG, insurance will not cover this treatment for her. But Alexa and Pete have decided to move forward with it anyway. She has received one round of IVIG treatment and has noticed some small indicators that she may be responding to the treatment. So they plan to move forward with additional treatments, even if they need to pay out of pocket for them.

There are so many people who love Alexa, and we are all doing what we can to help out including bringing meals, helping with the kids, cleaning up around the house, and visiting with her.

She now has several paid caergivers and child care providers helping out tremendously, but these costs do add up. They also pay for special transportation to get to various appointments. Additionally, Alexa continues to do everything she can to support her healing which includes treatments that often aren't covered at all by insurance, but which have been proven effective in addressing these symptoms in some situations.

Alexa and Pete were initially very hesitant to let us do this GoFundMe because they have lots of support around them already, but we convinced them that the many people who love them but don't live close enough to bring them dinner or host a playdate for the kids still want and deserve a chance to help out.

Finally, Alexa definitely loves knowing that she is cared for and supported, but talking about what she is going through is overwhelming and exhausting sometimes. Sending a card or text is a great idea and will be much appreciated! Her friends, family, and caregivers help her read and respond to these messages when she is able. But if you have lots of questions or are looking for information, it’s probably best to go through her caringbridge site, which Pete updates when gets a moment: https://www.caringbridge.org/site/644c1b46-fe01-11ef-9c63-113a6ede66c4?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=share_button&utm_term=&utm_content=link_share_button&utm_campaign=sitestart

Thank you so much for considering a donation of any size to help Alexa and Pete in this time of stress and uncertainty! We all are the village they need right now.