Patrick's Battle with ALS and Support for Family

Dear Friends,

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patrick Santos, after a brave fight with "ALS". Patrick was diagnosed at age 39, and in 10 torturous months, ALS robbed him of his mobility, his freedom, his law practice, his ability to work, his voice, his ability to eat, and finally his ability to breathe and live. Patrick lost his battle on February 28th, 2023.

Patrick was a beloved father, husband, and an outstanding attorney who dedicated his life to serving others through his work. He was a devoted husband to his wife Niki, and a proud father to his three-year-old special needs son, James. Patrick was also a BJJ Black Belt, and felt a close kinship with his BJJ community.

Unfortunately, like many young healthy people, the thought of life insurance did not cross his mind. Patrick exhausted all savings he had when he was sick and disabled. As such, he leaves behind absolutely no assets.

Patrick made it clear that he did not want a GoFundMe for himself, and in the last month of his life, he expressed a desire to create a GoFundMe specifically for his son James who is a special needs child, and his soon to be widowed wife.

This is the ONLY fundraiser that was authorized by Patrick, as witnessed by those around him at the time.

Patrick planned on dictating this message himself, and sending it to his entire database of former clients, colleagues, and friends, but his condition suddenly declined and his life ended before he could do that.

Patrick adored his son, James, and loved Niki. He took great pride in being a father and his son was the center of his world. James was Patrick's greatest joy and source of inspiration, and he worked hard every day to provide him with the best life possible.

Tragically, a month apart, Patrick was diagnosed with ALS in April 2022, and his son James was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (Level 3), as well as global developmental delay, in May 2022.

Niki was left with the impossible task of trying to help them both at the same time.

Due to his disabilities, each week James needs several hours of Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and ABA Therapy, as well as child care so his mother can work and be the sole provider for their family. This costs thousands of dollars each month, including many co-pay costs/medical bills. James may need care his entire life, including his adult life, if his disorders do not reach a place where he can live independently and safely as an adult.

The unfortunate reality is that James is a non-verbal severely autistic child, who is now fatherless.

It is unimaginable for any child to lose their father, let alone a child like this who needs a provider and a protector.

In these last 10 months, Niki was given the task of being the sole parent for James, caring for Patrick which included bathing him, consulting with doctors, getting him stem cells, contacting various charities to donate equipment to Patrick. Niki then began winding down his legal cases, practicing for him pro bono, taking over his office(which she moved and emptied by herself) all while taking away time from her own practice and shouldering the loss of her husband, work partner, and co-parent.

Although Patrick's time with James and Niki was cut short, his love for them will live on in their memories. By supporting this page, we can help ensure that Patrick's beloved son "Baby James" has the resources he needs to grow up, and Niki can raise him by herself.

Any donation, no matter the size, will make a difference.

Let us honor Patrick's wishes and legacy by supporting his immediate family, (his wife and son), and helping them during this difficult time.

Thank you for your support.

- Friends of Patrick, Niki, and James Santos