Michael Becker and family as he battles ALS.

Some of you might know the Becker family and for those of you that do not, but would like to help, here is their story. I can only share what I know and have experienced from our perspective over the years where our families have grown into one. We now live in BC and have seen a rapid degeneration in Michael's condition and we have created this page as a way to wrap the community around Michael, Tanja, and Lukas and support them through day-to-day expenses as they battle this challenging disease.

It is December 31st 2022, the last day of the year, I am writing this with permission from Tanja to support the Becker family through the upcoming year. Michael was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) in June of this year. A few months can mean so much with ALS. Is it a rare life-threatening disease with no (currently) known cure and each day the motor neurons of the body that control voluntary movement degenerate at a rapid rate. Six months ago Michael and Tanja shared with us that he was experiencing problems with mobility in his left leg and arm. Michael lost muscle control randomly and they noticed weakness in his left side. Six months ago Michael was fully mobile except for the odd loss of control, he was working, driving, walking, cooking, and playing with our kids as usual with the odd loss of mobility showing up weekly. By thanksgiving of 2022, when we came home to Water Valley for a visit, Micheal was on crutches but still able to get around and perform most of his personal tasks, but it was evident that he would no longer be able to work running the family furniture business.

Fast forward to this Christmas of 2022, Michael has lost all of his muscle control from the waist down and only has a bit of mobility left in his arms and hands. He no longer has the motor control and he requires 24-hour care. Lukas, their 22-year-old son, has taken over most of the business to support the family and Tanja has become a full-time caregiver for Michael, with a live-in nurse to support Michaels's medical needs.

We have started this Go Fund Me page as a way to wrap around the Becker family who has done so much for other people in and around the community of Water Valley. Both Michael and Tanja have volunteered to support their friends and community extensively over the years. I am sure many people reading this have stories to share of their unwavering generosity. I know we do. I encourage you to reach out to them at this time and share your gratitude, support, and love with them.

When we visited the Beckers over Christmas I asked what we can do to help and Tanja couldn't answer. They are not able to look ahead. Navigating this disease day to day and responding to changes and needs as they arise, is all they can do. We have created this fundraiser as a way to support the Beckers through the coming months, so they do not need to worry about their monthly expenses and can spend the time they have together supporting Michael. Medical expenses are growing larger and caring for Michael at home over the coming months requires access to expensive medical equipment and personnel. We hope you can support them in any way you can and show them the generosity and support that they have given to the people and community over the years.

All proceeds will go to Becker Family, Go Fund Me takes 2.9% of each donation. For some reason when you donate money it says this donation helps Lisette because I am the creator of this fundraiser, but I promise you with all my heart this all goes to the Becker family. If you would rather email funds or contact the Beckers directly, message me or Tanja through Facebook or Instagram for her email.

Many thanks and gratitude in the New Year,

Lisette and Kyle.