The strongest, most independent woman I know—my mom—began having trouble walking this past May. Each week, her walking worsened, and she grew weaker. After visiting several doctors, we finally received a diagnosis we never expected: ALS.

Just a few months ago, in February, she was frolicking in the ocean in Punta Cana. Today, she can no longer walk. ALS is already taking so much from her, and we know it will continue to take more. But one thing it will never take is her spirit, her courage, or the love that surrounds her.

As we began processing this diagnosis and preparing to make accommodations at home, the unimaginable happened. On Thursday night, Mom went to bed early with a headache. Hours later, she woke my dad and asked him to call 911. She had suffered a stroke and was life-flighted to New Hanover Hospital, where she remains in the ICU. The next step is to hopefully move her to a step-down unit where she’ll begin therapies to regain some strength. But with ALS already weakening her muscles, this stroke has made everything even more challenging.

We had already begun planning for an elevator to be installed in my parents’ home, as their main living area is on the second floor. Now, with this sudden setback, that need has become urgent. Along with the elevator, Mom will require many home modifications and likely round-the-clock care in order to come home safely and be with my dad—the love of her life.

It is so hard to ask for help, but we cannot do this alone. Our greatest hope is that after therapy, Mom will be able to return home, surrounded by love and comfort. To make that possible, we are asking for support to help with:

*Installing an elevator in their home

*Necessary home accommodations

*In-home care and support services

ALS may take her strength, but it will never take her spirit or the fierce love she has for her family. With your help, we can make sure it doesn’t take away her chance to be home, where she belongs.

Any donation, big or small, will bring us one step closer to getting Mom back home. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

If you know my mom, you know how much she means to so many. She has always been the first to show up and care for others. Now, it’s our turn to care for her. ❤️