My name is Robert Shumaker. I am from a small town called Mooresville, North Carolina in the United States. I was recently diagnosed with motor neuron disease commonly recognized as ALS. However, to reach this diagnosis, over the past eight years, I had 4 spinal surgeries in the cervical neck area. My C2 through C7 vertebrae are fused. I have lost about 60 pounds of muscle during this time. As a result, I no longer able to walk, and have lost 90% of my arm function. Currently I am unable to work, and my wife has to do everything for me. Ultimately, ALS patients lose the ability to swallow, breathe and move.  

Me with our newborn in 2015

The time has come to focus on my immediate medical needs. I have made up my mind to fight this overwhelming disease with more determination than ever before. Me and my family are looking into Stem cell treatments and clinical trials outside the United States.  Unlike stem cells in America, they use embryonic and spinal fluid stem cells which target neurological areas better. They have had good results with people in my condition. After talking to the doctors, we feel I am an ideal candidate mainly because with physical therapy, I have shown some improvement and according to my tests, my lower neurons are mostly affected. If I respond well, they will want a follow-up treatment within a year. We started the process of treatments here and this campaign was launched so that I can pursue treatments abroad, travel expenses and to help aid in the overwhelming medical bills.


Meeting my wife in 2009


As for my past, I was born paralyzed in my arms. With  a chiropractor’s help I overcame and had use of my arms by age 2. My family was told I will never be able to do manual labor like move furniture or play sports. However, I played basketball, football, wrestled, ran hurdles and actually worked in a furniture store through High school. I am the first person in my family to graduate college.


My friends and I during the 2013 Tough Mudder

With the help of my friends, their families, grandmother and hard work, I was able to overcome obstacles  life presented me. Unfortunately, with this disease I require help overcoming - hard work and determination are not enough.

Stem Cells Treatment procedure will help me regain voluntary movement of my limbs and it will potentially have other benefits such as regaining muscle mass, strength and some independence.



Our plan to help people in the future is to document the results from the procedure. I will make videos and post them on YouTube every week. We will take measurements to describe the muscle gains, we will take video of any physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. We will include any supplements, changes to diet or anything that affects the outcome. The reason I want to do this is because a person in my situation can use the videos as inspiration or at least give them possibilities or an idea on reasonable results.


April 2016, Farmer's Market

August 2019

Any contribution, along with your good thoughts and continued prayers will be sincerely appreciated.

Thank you for joining our giant step to fighting ALS!