Kevin Kessler Battles ALS- No One Fights Alone

I am starting a GoFundMe for my brother Kevin Kessler Sr. As some of you may know my brother was diagnosed with ALS in 2018. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), or often called “Lou Gehrig’s disease” is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. Over the past two years Kevin has lost the ability to use his body, speech and most recently the capability to breath on his own. He has been in the hospital for over 3 weeks fighting pneumonia for the third time. 


During his stay we had quite the scare when Kevin stopped breathing. Luckily, his wife Tracy who has not left his side except briefly, noticed and was able to get help immediately. Kevin had to be incubated and remained like this for 5 days. He was taken off the vent and put back on his regular breathing machine but unfortunately, due to the progression of the disease his regular vent was just not enough, and a tracheostomy was performed. Finally, we thought there would be some relief and maybe Kevin would be able to come home. But again, Kevin’s body had different plans and he had a setback this past week which has extended his stay at the hospital.  


Kevin has been involved with South Brunswick Baseball and Basketball for over 15 years. He has coached for all 3 of his sons. Kevin was also a member of South Brunswick Baseball Association as a volunteer.  Those of you who know Kevin, will remember seeing him at Rowland Park at one of his kid’s games, working on the fields or at the batting cages with one of his many teams. He was a beloved coach and all the town kids loved playing for him. Kevin took his volunteer job seriously as he loved coaching and teaching kids all aspects of the game.  In addition he coached P.A.L. basketball for numerous seasons.  He truly was a team player and gave all the kids opportunities.  


So that brings me to ask for your help. 


Sadly, there is no cure for this deadly disease. The average cost to care for an ALS patient according to the ALS foundation is over $200,000 a year. As Kevin’s disease is progressing the family’s medical bills are climbing and my brother’s needs are a more specialized care. 


Tracy and her three sons have been caring for Kevin the past 2 years on their own. It has now come to the time where he will need care that they are not skilled to provide. I’m creating this GoFundMe to assist them with their medical bills as well as his home care needs, he will now require. Your generosity can help lighten the load, so that Tracy and her boys can focus on his care to help make him feel as comfortable as possible. Your kind donations will go directly to Tracy and used exclusively for Kevin’s medical needs.