Join Thomas Brittingham's Fight Against ALS

Fellow RRATS, friends, family, and American Airlines brethren of Lt Col Thomas Brittingham,

As many of you know, Thomas has been struggling with medical issues since last fall. What began with not being able to run as fast or lift as heavy during workouts with friends, rapidly progressed into difficulty walking, standing, and most recently, eating and breathing.

Through many visits with doctors, trips to the ER, and lots of research, Thomas and Jessi recently received his diagnosis – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is classified as “very rare” with fewer than 20,000 cases per year in the United States. A progressive neurodegenerative disease, it breaks down nerve cells in the brain and spine, resulting in increasing muscle weakness and paralysis. The disease is incurable with little to no effective treatments. Average survival rates are anywhere from two to five years, with some living past diagnosis for 10 years or longer. We hope that Thomas will be in that 10+ year group, surrounded and supported by his military and civilian friends and family. To learn more, Thomas suggests that everyone watch the documentary “Gleason,” about Steven Gleason, New Orleans Saints’ safety who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 at age 34. The film covers Steve’s diagnosis and 5 years thereafter; it is currently free on Amazon Prime.

Thomas is a man who loves adventure and thrives on being a loving and devoted husband and father. He has already accomplished more in his life than many dream of. His integrity and selfless service to our nation serve as a constant inspiration to those around him. According to the ALS Association, military veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease then the general public – for reasons yet unknown. Ironically, Thomas’ 17 years of service may be a factor in his diagnosis.

The past months have taken an emotional toll on Thomas, Jessi, and their boys Brennan (3 ½) and Parker, 1 ½). Throughout, many of you have reached out with a desire to help in some way. Until very recently, Thomas & Jessi’s wish was to not release this information publicly. His very close friends and family – including some amazing individuals from the 336th Air Refueling Squadron and Fourth Air Force – have been providing as much help as welcomed in the form of meals, rides to medical appointments, and visits. Following a recent visit at the UC San Diego ALS clinic, Thomas let us know that his muscle weakness is continuing, and his breathing capacity is significantly reduced. Last week he had a feeding tube placed. Next steps include a military Medical Evaluations Board, an accessible van for transportation, and changes to their home to make it accessible to Thomas and allow him to tuck Brennan and Parker in every night.

Thomas and Jessi are now comfortable sharing their journey and welcome your support. For now, the needs are simple – help with rides to appointments and help watching the boys. You can sign up for either of those, along with future requests here: https://alsa.lotsahelpinghands.com/request/team-thomas-1. Additionally, to assist with off-label treatment options, therapies, and durable medical equipment not covered by insurance, meal deliveries and groceries to make Jessi’s load lighter, as well as future unknown medical requirements, we have also set up a GoFundMe for the family. They will have direct access to these funds.

Finally, more than anything, we ask that you surround the Brittingham family with kindness, love, and support. We will continue to keep you all posted with news and progress. Thank you for being a part of the Brittingham family support network.

v/r,

Lt Col Mary Goldsmith, Lt Col Adam Walker, and Lt Col Juan Amaya

336th Air Refueling Squadron