Support for Dennis McIntyre and Family

You never imagine the worst could happen until it does.

Our story begins nearly twenty years ago with a loving relationship between two creative souls, Dennis and Michele. A family of five, we're blessed with three beautiful kids, Tristan (23), Leila (17), and Iris (14).

Dennis is the type of guy folks envy. He has a mechanical mind and quickly builds and fixes everything that comes his way. He is the brains and brawns behind creating a beautiful new homestead for our family as we made the brave and pandemic-driven move to Wiarton's nature-filled and quaint community.

Sadly, our joyful new journey has turned dark.

Telltale signs that something was seriously wrong with Dennis couldn't be explained away, and in May of this year, we heard the words no one wants to hear; he has ALS.

ALS is a motor neuron disease with no cure. This disease slowly degenerates your body, as you lose the ability to move, walk, speak, eat and eventually breathe. There is an average life expectancy of 2 to 5 years.

Life as we know it has changed forever.

Now, our family is feeling a significant financial and emotional strain. Dennis can no longer work. Michele had lost her full-time job at the Region of Waterloo and closed her dance studio due to COVID-19.

While it's tough to ask, we are looking for financial support to help us through. It's estimated a family can expect to incur costs averaging $150,000 during the short window of an ALS patient's life.

Dennis needs to eat around 4,000 calories daily to maintain his body weight, as this disease burns energy quickly. With food costs rising, this has significantly increased our grocery bill. There are also travel expenses for medical appointments as we seek out medicine and alternative therapies to combat the disease.

Communications technology is a significant need. Dennis' condition is considered a bulbar onset, which begins with affecting his speech and swallowing. He will require medical aids to assist with communicating. Dennis is trying to stay as mobile and independent as possible; however, walking is becoming more challenging. He's experiencing overall muscle weakness, atrophy, and extreme fatigue. In time, Dennis will need accessibility equipment. Eventually, home care support will be necessary to ensure Dennis has around-the-clock care.

We would also like to support the Canadian ALS foundation. A portion of the money raised will be donated to fund research and support finding a cure.

There is a challenging road ahead, but we will do our very best to take in every moment of joy along the way.

With love and appreciation, Michele, Dennis and family.