In Loving Memory of Jason Becker

In February of 2022, my friends Jason and Emily Becker’s lives were drastically changed. They received the most devastating news that Jason was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Many of you may remember participating in the "Ice Bucket Challenge" a few years ago. If you were like me at that time, you had never heard of this horrible disease, but it was still fun to take on the challenge. When Jason told me his diagnosis, the "ice bucket challenge" was the first thing I thought of. I knew it was a challenge to bring awareness to ALS, but I still didn’t know a thing about the disease. I decided to do some research. What I found was heartbreaking. There is no cure, nothing to slow it down, nothing he can do to fix it. ALS is a disease that attacks cells in the brain and spinal cord that are needed to keep muscles moving, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. This means that he will lose his ability to walk, eat, talk, and eventually breathe at some point! He had been diagnosed with a death sentence! I still can’t even fathom how Jason and Emily felt when they heard this diagnosis.

This is a very hard battle for families, not only emotionally and physically, but also financially. The ALS Foundation estimates that the financial cost to families of persons with ALS is exceedingly high. It is estimated that care can cost an average of up to $200,000 a year. Needless to say, there are a LOT of expenses that have come with this diagnosis. The bills acquired from this devastating disease keep pouring in! Sooner than later, he will need to buy a special motorized wheelchair. They have already purchased a van and put a lift in their garage to accommodate a wheelchair. He also has had countless Dr. visits and has become a walking pharmacy with all the pills he is on.

I wanted to start this GoFundMe for Jason and Emily to alleviate some of their financial burdens. My hope is that they will be able to use the funds not only for all the unexpected bills that have come with this diagnosis. But that they will be able to do some fun things as a family in the last couple of years of his life! His symptoms are progressing fast. Hopefully, he will be able to create some unforgettable memories with his sweet wife, Emily and daughters, Lily and Sadie.

Jason is a great friend to many people. Lots of them want to know what they can do to help. This is a way you can bring some light and love to Jason and Emily and their fight with this horrible ALS disease. Any donations would be immensely appreciated and used graciously. If you cannot donate, prayers of comfort and peace will be just as appreciated.