Help Us Support Andy and Sylvia

Our family is asking for help supporting two people we hold dear—my brother-in-law Andy and his wife, Sylvia.

Andy and Sylvia have been together for decades, building a life side by side and sharing countless adventures, challenges, dreams, and everyday moments that became meaningful simply because they were together. They have always been a team, and throughout their many years together, have created a life filled with love, family, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Andy has always been a hardworking and independent person, working full-time and taking great pride in providing for himself and his family. He was skilled in carpentry and spent years remodeling homes, always having had a gift for looking at something that needed fixing and figuring out how to make it more beautiful.

When Andy and Sylvia purchased their home in Western North Carolina, they knew they were taking on a fixer-upper, but that was part of the plan. Andy had the skills, knowledge, and experience to do most of the work himself. It was another project they would take on together, just as they had done so many other times throughout their life together.

Then they received news that changed everything.

Andy was diagnosed with ALS.

Since his diagnosis, Andy's physical abilities have declined dramatically. His mobility is now extremely limited, and even many of the most basic activities of daily living have become incredibly difficult. He is no longer able to work, and the independence he has always valued has been taken from him in ways none of us could have imagined.

The man who once had the strength and skill to remodel homes can no longer make the repairs to his own home. What was once an exciting fixer-upper has now become a source of stress, as routine maintenance and necessary repairs are things Andy is physically unable to do.

At the same time, Sylvia continues to work full-time from home while helping care for Andy and managing everything that comes with their new reality. She is doing everything she can to keep their household going, but the physical, emotional, and financial demands have become overwhelming.

Andy is currently waiting for insurance approval for a custom wheelchair, which would give him greater mobility and independence. The nutritional supplements he depends on are also extremely expensive, while everyday household bills and other costs continue to add up. What once felt manageable has become a constant financial strain.

And yet, the financial challenges are only part of what they are facing.

Andy and Sylvia have always loved being outside. Hiking, biking, exploring nature, and simply enjoying the freedom of being outdoors have been an important part of their lives and their relationship. These weren't just hobbies for Andy; they were among the things he held most dear.

Now, he can no longer hike with Sylvia or ride his bike, and so many of the simple freedoms he once enjoyed are no longer possible. For someone who has always been active, independent, and capable, that loss has been heartbreaking.

It is incredibly difficult for our family to watch someone who has spent his life working with his hands, building things, solving problems, and taking care of the people he loves now have to depend on others for so many of the things he once did himself.

That's why we are asking for help.

We want to give Andy and Sylvia some breathing room so they can focus on each other and on navigating this devastating disease, rather than constantly worrying about how they will pay the next bill, afford the supplements Andy depends on, maintain their home, or manage the many unexpected expenses that come with ALS.

Donations will help with everyday expenses, necessary home repairs and maintenance, nutritional supplements, mobility needs, and other costs associated with Andy's care.

Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference. If you aren't able to donate, sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and community is another incredibly valuable way to help.

Andy has spent much of his life building and repairing things, while he and Sylvia have spent decades building a life together. Now, our family and their community have an opportunity to help build something for them—a circle of support around two people who have spent so many years supporting one another.

We know that we cannot take away what ALS has done, give Andy back the abilities he has lost, or restore the future they had imagined. What we can do is help make the road ahead a little less difficult and give them the ability to focus on what matters most: each other.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read Andy and Sylvia's story and for caring about them. Whether you donate, share their fundraiser, send a message, or simply keep them in your thoughts, your kindness means so much.

With love and heartfelt gratitude,

Angela & Mark, and the rest of Andy and Sylvia's Family

XO