Justin Roland's Battle with ALS

In August of 2016, Justin sensed that something was off with his body. What started as random balance issues became more profound each month thereafter. Early October, he had the honor of being in his brother Brian’s wedding in which he brought great concern to family and friends as he had significant difficulty walking in the procession. As the months went on, his ability to walk became more and more laborious, and he slowly started losing additional abilities. After visiting many specialists and undergoing months of tests and potential treatments, Penn Medicine official diagnosed Justin with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. By summer 2017, Justin became mostly confined to a chair for the greater part of his day. ALS is a progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body is its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe.

As many of you know, before ALS, Justin was strong, hardworking and had great physical endurance. Not only was he using his physically body to maintain his landscaping business, but he went on missions trips to Mexico to build wells for communities without clean drinking water. His friends on the trip called him the “Ox” referring to his strength and determination to push himself to get the job done. Although his physical body is deteriorating, his big heart and sense of humor remains. Despite the extreme difficulties each day brings, he still manages to have a bright smile on his face. He has inspired family and friends by depending on God for daily strength and peace; and has made the song of his heart, “It is well with my soul.”

The past several months have been especially hard on Justin’s parents, George and Gloria, who have lovingly been caring for him. They are managing their regular jobs, as well as, taking on side jobs as often as possible. The emotional pain that comes with seeing your 29 year old son endure the great difficulty this disease brings, is hard to put into words. The road ahead is a tough one. Justin already requires assistance for his daily routine including getting in and out of bed, and will continue to require an increasing amount of care. The funds received will be going towards the many medical expenses and ongoing care. In additional to that, home renovations are required to move his bedroom to ground level to create a wheelchair accessible space for him to live in his parent’s home.

George and Gloria truly exemplify what it looks like to love God and live for Him. They have dedicated a great deal of their life serving and giving to others. We are honored to serve and give back to them and pray you will feel lead to join us. Whether it be a commitment to pray for Justin and his family or providing financial support, we appreciate YOU coming alongside the Roland’s in this time of need.