Joe & Denise Howell's Medical Needs
Donation protected
Joe and Denise Howell have definitely had more than their fair share of medical issues over the past decade. But, through it all, they have continued to trust in the Lord and served Him faithfully as valued members of their community and Cornerstone Church in Savoy.
Denise was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2008, then Parkinson’s disease in 2011. And, if that wasn’t enough, she developed breast cancer in 2013, which she successfully beat. Denise has not been able to work for several years as a result of the Crohn’s and Parkinson’s diseases, but she has remained positive and upbeat.
Joe retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation on April 1, 2017 due to symptoms that were originally attributed to Diabetes. Unfortunately, in October 2017, he and Denise received the tragic news that he has an aggressive case of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Due to the rapid progression of his illness, Joe has already lost over 50 pounds and a lot of strength. For patients with ALS, a normal collapsible wheelchair just won’t do. While Joe can maneuver some with the help of a walker, the doctors have recommended that he transition to a motorized wheelchair. They have been able to secure a motorized wheelchair but the kind that is needed for ALS patients weighs 400 pounds. The sheer weight of this wheelchair alone has precipitated the need to purchase a specially equipped van that will allow for Joe’s transport to and from home. Without the van, he will essentially become a “prisoner” in his own home and, if you know anything about ALS, you know that he will become a “prisoner” in his own body soon enough. So, it’s important that he retain his freedom of mobility as long as possible.
My wife and I would like to bless Joe and Denise the same way they have blessed us and so many others. We have started this page in an effort to enable them to pay off the van and have some left over to help with additional medical expenses. While the goal may seem lofty, any contribution, large or small, will be greatly appreciated. All of the funds will go to pay for the van and any additional medical costs that are not covered by insurance.
Thank you and may God bless you!
Denise was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2008, then Parkinson’s disease in 2011. And, if that wasn’t enough, she developed breast cancer in 2013, which she successfully beat. Denise has not been able to work for several years as a result of the Crohn’s and Parkinson’s diseases, but she has remained positive and upbeat.
Joe retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation on April 1, 2017 due to symptoms that were originally attributed to Diabetes. Unfortunately, in October 2017, he and Denise received the tragic news that he has an aggressive case of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Due to the rapid progression of his illness, Joe has already lost over 50 pounds and a lot of strength. For patients with ALS, a normal collapsible wheelchair just won’t do. While Joe can maneuver some with the help of a walker, the doctors have recommended that he transition to a motorized wheelchair. They have been able to secure a motorized wheelchair but the kind that is needed for ALS patients weighs 400 pounds. The sheer weight of this wheelchair alone has precipitated the need to purchase a specially equipped van that will allow for Joe’s transport to and from home. Without the van, he will essentially become a “prisoner” in his own home and, if you know anything about ALS, you know that he will become a “prisoner” in his own body soon enough. So, it’s important that he retain his freedom of mobility as long as possible.
My wife and I would like to bless Joe and Denise the same way they have blessed us and so many others. We have started this page in an effort to enable them to pay off the van and have some left over to help with additional medical expenses. While the goal may seem lofty, any contribution, large or small, will be greatly appreciated. All of the funds will go to pay for the van and any additional medical costs that are not covered by insurance.
Thank you and may God bless you!
Organizer
Mike Kessel
Organizer
Champaign, IL
