Support for Chad in his battle with ALS
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Chad, 34 years old, was recently diagnosed with ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a rapidly progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease that is characterized by degeneration of the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. This loss of motor neurons leads to progressive paralysis of the voluntary muscles, meaning you eventually lose the ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe. There is no cure for ALS and 80% of people lose their battle within two to five years of diagnosis.
Chad and his wife Tiffany have been married for 9 years and have two sons who both have Autism. Daily life has been difficult enough for Chad and Tiffany as they support their boys. Because it is necessary for Tiffany to be home to care for the boys and their special needs, she is unable to work. This puts the burden of income solely on Chad. In order to make ends meet and to pay the out of pocket costs for the boys’ therapies and other medical needs not covered by insurance, Chad works as much as he can. Although Chad continues to work, symptoms of the disease has prevented him to work long hours, which has reduced their income making it hard to make ends meet.
ALS currently has no cure and few effective treatments exist, but scientists are working on new ways of treating the disease which include clinical trials. With his Dr’s help, Chad has submitted several inquiries into various clinical studies. He just learned that he has been accepted for a study at UC Irvine in California. Participating in this clinical trial will mean Chad won’t be able to work during the treatments and will need to travel to and from California. This will put an even greater strain on their financial needs as they try to pay for travel and accommodations.
Although Chad and Tiffany find it hard to make sense of all they’ve been dealt, they continue to believe and trust that God will be with them every step of the way. They will need the support of their family and friends during this difficult time. Please consider supporting them in prayer and financially if you’re able. Any amount will help.
Chad and his wife Tiffany have been married for 9 years and have two sons who both have Autism. Daily life has been difficult enough for Chad and Tiffany as they support their boys. Because it is necessary for Tiffany to be home to care for the boys and their special needs, she is unable to work. This puts the burden of income solely on Chad. In order to make ends meet and to pay the out of pocket costs for the boys’ therapies and other medical needs not covered by insurance, Chad works as much as he can. Although Chad continues to work, symptoms of the disease has prevented him to work long hours, which has reduced their income making it hard to make ends meet.
ALS currently has no cure and few effective treatments exist, but scientists are working on new ways of treating the disease which include clinical trials. With his Dr’s help, Chad has submitted several inquiries into various clinical studies. He just learned that he has been accepted for a study at UC Irvine in California. Participating in this clinical trial will mean Chad won’t be able to work during the treatments and will need to travel to and from California. This will put an even greater strain on their financial needs as they try to pay for travel and accommodations.
Although Chad and Tiffany find it hard to make sense of all they’ve been dealt, they continue to believe and trust that God will be with them every step of the way. They will need the support of their family and friends during this difficult time. Please consider supporting them in prayer and financially if you’re able. Any amount will help.
Organizer and beneficiary
Deb Pratt
Organizer
Muskegon, MI
Tiffany VandenBosch
Beneficiary