Multiple Sclerosis Home Renovations

Help us reach the first 5k so Ron can have a handicap accessible bathroom by Christmas! 



Dear friends,

We’re creating this GoFundMe site for Ron Antonio, a friend and mentor with a degenerative and permanent form of Multiple Sclerosis. We are raising funds to renovate Ron’s condo so that he can continue to live in his own home and care for himself.  Living with MS is challenging. We’re hoping to increase home accessibility by eliminating any barriers to his mobility and independent living. 

In order to be fully mobile, his home, recreational and transportation activities must be tailored and suited to his specific needs.  And oh my – it is expensive!

We are in the process of applying for grants from the MS National Society as well as separate disability grants, but Ron needs funds urgently in order to get some minimal things done before any grants are approved and dispersed.  We are hoping to make some important modifications to Ron’s condo so that he can remain active in his life and continue providing valuable service to the community. 

The Modifications / Condo Modifications and Accessibility Renovations include:

-                        Widened doors
-                        Bathroom grab bars
-                        Handicap wall rails in the hall ways to prevent future falling.
-                        Better lighting
-                        Help avoid dangerous falls
-                        Would like to remain productive and mobile
-                        Continue to provide valuable service to the community

Why MS SUCKS:

Ron has PPMS, or Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, a chronically degenerative type of MS – and it’s the worst.  While some days are better than others, it just progressively gets worse. On any given day, he has to deal with extreme fatigue, issues with balance, problems with vision and focus, weakness, numbness tingling, muscle spasms… as well as anything ranging from mental clarity and concentration to bowel issues.  

Why Ron ROCKS!!! 

Throughout the progression of his disease, Ron has continued to work with the community, mentoring individuals who suffer from mental illness and depression.  In the past 5 years he has formed and administrated two supported groups for people who suffer from mental illness.  Today he continues his work as much as possible. When he is unable to host the meetings outside of his home, he will actively call and check in on his mentees.

Ron has been able to live and function with his MS for many years, including creating a fulltime job that he can do 90% by phone. For the past 15 years, he has provided service for the community by helping seniors be safe in their homes. Ron works with the families of the seniors and the patients themselves to assisting families to get the right home health agency in their home, without any additional costs to the patient or their family. 

When a family needs additional home care in their home and it is not covered by insurance, i.e. private pay, they often call Ron first for help to navigate this confusing territory.  Families are given his contact info by the rehab facility, hospital, or by the nurse at the assisted living facility where they are currently living. There are currently over 600 agencies in the state of CT that provide home health care. Many of these agencies are not be trustworthy or reputable, and it is very difficult to decipher between so many options.  Having been around the business for many years, Ron is able to listen to the specific needs of families and help partner them with reliable agencies. Ron is a huge asset to family, connecting them with the right agency, and continues to monitor the care of the patient. He always makes himself available to the family to answer any questions and concerns that may come up along the way.

Anyone who has had to navigate the insurance, home care, or healthcare industry knows what a nightmare this can be. It is especially emotional when you are trying to find the best care possible for a loved one.  Ron’s services are entirely free to the families in need. He’s available 24/7 and has often received an outpouring of gratitude from the families for easing this difficult transition.

After helping so many other people, it’s time for us to help Ron!  Please donate anything you can. It all makes a difference!

 
Thanks!!