Shelby’s fight against ALS

Hi my name is Leah. Back in February 2021 my mom (Shelby Stauffer) was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) - also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. This is a neuromuscular disease that targets nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain.

My parents are in their late 60s and both are retired. My dad retired back in December 2019 from the IT department at Penn State Hershey Med right before the pandemic. Little did they know a year later, the medical costs would start rolling in. It’s a blessing for him to be able to be at home with my mom, but is difficult financially.

My mom is now mostly in a wheel chair, struggles to talk and swallow, and breathing can be difficult. There is no known cure for ALS, but there are treatments, therapies, and other resources to help her be able to live and function for as long as possible.

According to HuffPost.com “ALS is a very expensive disease, costing patients an estimated $300,000 per year. This majority of patients bankrupt their families with the cost and an even larger number simply can’t afford the cost to stay alive, so they don’t. Can you imagine having to stop being alive because it’s too expensive”

If you are unable to make a donation you can still help by lifting Shelby in your prayers and share this link on social for others to see. Shelby and the family know that they wouldn’t have been able to face this journey with ALS without Christ as their daily source.