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As many of you may know, Manny Dines was recently diagnosed with ALS and needs all of our support. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. One of the greatest challenges of managing ALS is it’s unpredictability. It slowly attacks different voluntary muscle groups in random order and at a random pace.
Many of us know Manny with the big, bright smile he readily shares. He is always happy and willing to help. But most importantly, Manny is a wonderful husband and father of three beautiful children whom he adores, along with his dogs!
Manny’s journey has progressed in a way that is unimaginable. It all started with some minor difficulty buttoning his clothes. After six months of neurology exams, EMGs, and infusions, the diagnosis was confirmed. Thus far, his main symptom has been extreme weakness in both arms - which has left him needing assistance with things like dressing, feeding, laundry, and even writing. The disease will eventually take his ability to walk, speak and breathe.
Remaining hopeful, Manny is participating in experimental drug trials at the University of Michigan. Since the disease is incurable, studies are mainly looking at managing symptoms and slowing the disease progression.
Fortunately, Manny is still able to work but we do not know for how much longer. He has been overwhelmed by the support of friends, family, school, community, and coworkers. His wife and children have been adjusting to the family’s “new normal” and support him every day.
As Manny and his family move through this incredibly challenging time, we can all do our part to help support them with donations for their wish list of the following to help with adjusting to these “new norms:” main floor bathroom renovations, ramps, home modifications, transportation costs, future equipment needs, and ongoing medical costs.
The Dines family is thankful for any donation that will help to ease current and future challenges.
Many of us know Manny with the big, bright smile he readily shares. He is always happy and willing to help. But most importantly, Manny is a wonderful husband and father of three beautiful children whom he adores, along with his dogs!
Manny’s journey has progressed in a way that is unimaginable. It all started with some minor difficulty buttoning his clothes. After six months of neurology exams, EMGs, and infusions, the diagnosis was confirmed. Thus far, his main symptom has been extreme weakness in both arms - which has left him needing assistance with things like dressing, feeding, laundry, and even writing. The disease will eventually take his ability to walk, speak and breathe.
Remaining hopeful, Manny is participating in experimental drug trials at the University of Michigan. Since the disease is incurable, studies are mainly looking at managing symptoms and slowing the disease progression.
Fortunately, Manny is still able to work but we do not know for how much longer. He has been overwhelmed by the support of friends, family, school, community, and coworkers. His wife and children have been adjusting to the family’s “new normal” and support him every day.
As Manny and his family move through this incredibly challenging time, we can all do our part to help support them with donations for their wish list of the following to help with adjusting to these “new norms:” main floor bathroom renovations, ramps, home modifications, transportation costs, future equipment needs, and ongoing medical costs.
The Dines family is thankful for any donation that will help to ease current and future challenges.