Hello, my name is Lisa Spooner and I’m fundraising for my dear friends, Kevin and Jonel Condra. Jonel and I have been friends for over 30 years and her friendship is one of the great blessings of my life. Jonel and Kevin have been married for over 25 years and they have two amazing young adult sons who are working to pay for college. I remember when Jonel met Kevin and she said that, “this guy is a keeper.” Jonel’s initial instincts were correct. Kevin is a kind, wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and friend. It has been a joy getting to know Kevin and seeing the wonderful partnership and family Kevin and Jonel have created.

In the fall of 2020, Kevin was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes loss of muscle control and the disease gets worse over time. Eventually ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat, and breathe. There is no cure for this fatal disease. Treatment of ALS is focused on the management of symptoms. Managing the symptoms of ALS has become incredibly difficult for Kevin and Jonel. At this time, Kevin does not have any functional use of his arms and legs. Taking care of Kevin is a full time job for Jonel, however, she has to work full time as a teletherapy Speech Language Pathologist to help pay their many bills. Their insurance does not cover payment for an aide who could help care for Kevin. They have had to complete many renovations in their home as Kevin has lost the ability to use his arms and legs. They have purchased many items to try to make Kevin more comfortable. They also had to purchase a wheelchair accessible van. Kevin is having significant difficulty breathing and he uses a non-invasive breathing machine.

I have been praying for a miracle for Kevin and Jonel. I now realize that Kevin and Jonel are the miracle. They continue to be the same kind and caring people they have always been as they deal with this devastating disease. Kevin continues to serve and help others in his job as a Salt Lake County Health Department Outreach Bureau Manager by working remotely using a head mouse to control his computer. He wants to work as long as he possibly can. Jonel’s devotion as a wife and caregiver shows a living example of fulfilling the marriage vows of “for better and for worse and in sickness and in health.”

The goal of this fundraiser is to help pay for an aide who can take care of Kevin when Jonel gets s working as an SLP and to allow Jonel to work fewer hours so she can continue to take care of Kevin. Being a caregiver for someone with ALS is an emotionally and physically exhausting 24-7 job.

Please consider making a donation to help this wonderful couple battling ALS.