Help Support Sandy Through ALS

*Sargon Younan (Husand of ALS Patient) & Sandy Yousif (Sister-IN-Law of ALS Patient) are organizing this fundraiser in support of Sandy Shaba Younan (mother to Rita 16yr and Ashur 3yr ) for her medical needs, and her desire to help ALS researchers find effective treatments for ALS as well as a new medicine released in 2023 to help elongate her life in which doctors stated 1-2 years.

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind-hearted Supporters,

We started this GoFundMe page with heavy hearts but unwavering determination, united by a common cause that demands our attention, love, and support. We're reaching out to you in hopes of making a difference in the life of someone very dear to us – Sandy Shaba Younan in which few months ago received the devastating news that the severe deterioration of muscle strength she was experiencing was due to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

ALS is a relentless and unforgiving disease that affects the nervous system, robbing individuals of their ability to move, speak, and ultimately, breathe. Most people with ALS are given 2-5 years to live after their diagnosis, and there is no known cause or cure for the disease. Along with the physical loss, the emotional trauma on both the individual and their family are also extreme. ALS may have entered Sandy's life, but it will not define her spirit or the impact she has had on her husband, children and family.

Sandy has always been a pillar of strength, an inspiration to us all, and a source of unwavering support in times of need. An amazing mother who struggled to have her second child for 10 years and was later blessed with a healthy beautiful boy who she cries for daily long stating that she will not be around to see him grow up as well as her daughter Now, it's our turn to work together and be the support she needs. This GoFundMe campaign has been created to help Sandy and alongside her husband who has placed himself and his health aside as he too was diagnosed with eye cancer.

Sargon is putting aside his health to focus on his wife ALS which he keeps the burnden inside of him. We are asking for everyone to if you can help with the financial burdens associated with ALS, eye cancer that both couples are facing as well as support research in an effort to fight ALS, and ensure that Sandy's family can focus on what truly matters - maintaining her quality of life, her health, her family and continue to make many more memories.

Now, Sandy faces the fight of her life. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. Currently, she is confined to a wheelchair unable to move or feed herself. She is having difficulty breathing at night, unable to speak normally, and having difficulty to swallow. The financial burden of ALS treatment is significant. The cost of medical treatment, equipment, and ongoing care will be significant.

As Sandy focuses on her health and precious time she has left with her family, we want to ensure the couple does not have to worry about the financial strain between treatments.

Donations will go towards:

Medical bills and treatment costs

New ALS Medication NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE OVER 20K

Home modifications to accommodate her changing needs

Assistive technology, equipment and in-home care

Loss of income

Future expenses

MEDICAL EXPENSES NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE

Sandy is looking to currently go on the FDA approved medication that has been shown to slow the progression of ALS. Her doctor recently prescribed Relyvrio, which alone is $4,000/month.

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, over a 10-year period (2001-2010), all expenses related to the cost of care for an individual patient showed that total disease-duration costs average out-of-pocket cost for caring for a person with ALS could amount to $250,000 (according to ALS.org).

For now, these funds will be focused on getting Sandy on Relyvrio but we will update the GoFundMe as we figure out what will and will not be covered.

Thank you all in advance for your contributions, love, and support and prayers. Any donation you can support with go a long way and be much appreciated.

Please consider sharing this post with your friends and family. Every dollar counts. No amount is too small. Together, we can make a difference, and help our family navigate this challenging journey.

Sincerely,

Sargon and Sandy

God Bless you All!