Help Kevin's Cause - Fighting ALS

We want Kevin to have the best quality of life possible, and that’s where you come in!

Many of you know Wes and Kevin from their dedication to the Tree of Hope lighting up Grande Prairie each Christmas for the past several years. Wes is my brother, and Kevin is his amazing husband. 

Kevin and Wes' gorgeous yard is a welcoming place for friends and neighbors to gather most nights with Kevin’s gardens and Wes’ artwork adorning their patios. We hope (as soon as restrictions lift) to be able to enjoy another summer in the yard and another winter around the firepit.


Kevin’s Diagnosis

Kevin was diagnosed with ALS this winter when he lost his ability to speak or swallow. He’s already had a feeding tube inserted and is beginning to show other signs of weakness. He is unable to work and is ineligible for other supports when he turns 65 in a few months. ALS is a progressive and terminal disease that will rapidly steal Kevin’s physical functioning over the coming months. Wes has to stay home with Kevin because he chokes easily, and it is becoming a financial burden they can’t manage alone.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or motor neuron disease) is a disease that gradually paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe.

ALS is not contagious. There is no cure for ALS and few treatment options for the majority of people living with the disease. Approximately 80 per cent of people with ALS die within two to five years of being diagnosed. https://www.als.ca/what-is-als/about-als/

 
Extraordinary Expenses   Goal - $14 300

Kevin’s mobility needs should be covered by available support programs, but there is no coverage available for the medications, diet, and treatments that will improve his quality of life. The dollar amount listed is for one year of supplies.

Glycopyrrolate    100/week = $5200
Hyperbaric therapy       40 sessions = $2800
Isosource (liquid diet)      $400/month = $4800
Tubing and supplies for feeding tube    $125/month = $1500 


How your donation helps Kevin

While there is nothing we can do about the diagnosis, your support will help keep Kevin comfortable and at home for as long as possible. We will give updates along the way to let you know how Kevin is doing.