Marilyn Sirard's ALS Challenge

We are starting this campaign for our brother, Gene Sirard, his wife Marilyn, and their daughter Melissa.  Last week Marilyn received the crushing news that she has advanced ALS.

Over a year ago, it was clear there was a problem when Marilyn started to show signs of facial weakness, and over time she lost her ability to speak clearly and eating and drinking became difficult.  She saw countless doctors and had numerous tests, but none of the doctors offered a diagnosis.  However, last week, following a trip to the ER for choking and breathing problems, Marilyn was given a referral to a first-rate hospital, the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin.  The doctors at Marshfield quickly detected ALS, and within a week she had a tracheotomy to keep her throat clear, and she was given a feeding tube since her ability to swallow is now completely compromised. 

Despite the diagnosis, Marilyn remains positive and is called “the celebrity marathoner” by the doctors, nurses and hospital staff.  She has been given this name because she still has the ability to walk and insists on making laps around her hospital floor.  Although she cannot speak, she wills her arm up to wave at the staff and other patients.  You see, the thing about Marilyn is that when you meet her you first notice that physically she is stunningly beautiful, but you quickly realize that what trumps even her physical beauty is her compassion for every human being and unwavering faith in God.  So, while she walks the hospital floor, doing her best to wave, we are certain it is her way of expressing her concern for the well-being of the other patients and the hard working hospital staff.     

This illness has and will continue to take a physical, emotional and financial toll.   This illness will continue to attack Marilyn’s body and there is little anyone can do, but emotional and financial help are possible.  If you know Marilyn or her family, we know they would greatly appreciate a text, an email, or a call to let them know you are thinking about them.   As a self-employed truck driver, Gene doesn’t have any vacation or sick days, so every day he doesn’t work is a day he doesn’t earn any income.  The household bills are piling up, and even with medical insurance the medical bills are financially overwhelming.  Further, when Marilyn is able to return home, she will require round the clock care.  Gene and Melissa are going to bear this responsibility, which will significantly impact their income.  So, we are asking for any amount of financial assistance, if you have the resources, to help solely with uncovered medical bills and expenses while they are not working.  If the financial burden can be lifted, Gene and Melissa will be able to focus on supporting and loving Marilyn through her heartbreaking journey.  Thank you on behalf of our family.