Support the Collins Family in their Fight Against ALS

On December 30th, 2024, at the age of 62, Larry Collins of Malden, MA, husband and father of six, was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

ALS is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells, brain, and spinal cord. Over time, those with ALS lose control of the muscles needed to move, eat, speak, and breathe. There is no cure for ALS, and the average life expectancy for those diagnosed is 2-5 years.

Though there is currently no cure for ALS, treatment can drastically slow the progression of symptoms, prevent complications, extend lifespans, and improve the quality of life for those suffering this disease. With treatment, some people can live with ALS for 5-10+ years.

Living with ALS (and caring for a family member with ALS) comes with overwhelming expenses, much of which is not covered by insurance. The average out-of-pocket cost for ALS treatment can average around $143,000 annually - even after insurance - creating an enormous financial burden for the family.

To support the Collins family, we are asking for help and support. ALS is a difficult disease on its own, and whatever we can do to mitigate the financial burden will drastically help improve the quality of life for Larry and his family.

Larry has always centered his life around his family: his wife Millie of 36 years and his six children Frank, Charlie, Nina, Robert, Aidan, and Paul. A life-long Malden resident, he has worked for decades as an electrical foreman for the MA Commuter Rail, having completed the journeyman electrician program at Wentworth Institute of Technology. As a Navy veteran, he has a love for history, and like many Bostonians, he's extremely passionate about his Boston sports teams. Most of all though, Larry loves being a husband and father. Whether it be coaching football or spending the weekend with his wife and kids in Maine, he has devoted himself to being best dad possible and ensuring his children have all they need to succeed and thrive. Now, we want to do all we can to help him live out his life with ALS to the fullest.

Thank you in advance for your support in helping the Collins family! Any and every contribution is very much appreciated.