Supporting Jim, Michelle, Hope, and Wade Through ALS

Some friendships become family, and that is exactly what Michelle has been to me.

Michelle and I, along with our two sisters, grew up just down the street from one another. Our fathers were both Detroit police officers, and we spent our childhoods together in a neighborhood where everyone knew each other, looked out for one another, and celebrated life's milestones together. We attended school together, shared countless memories, and have remained close friends throughout our lives.

For nearly 40 years, Michelle and Jim have built a beautiful life together centered around family, love, hard work, and service to others. Today, they are facing a challenge no family should have to face alone.

In October, Jim was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a devastating disease that has progressed rapidly in just a few short months. While the diagnosis is recent, Jim has been battling significant health challenges for the past four years, preventing him from working and placing increasing demands on the family.

Throughout this journey, Michelle has done everything possible to care for Jim while working full-time to support their family financially. Their children, Hope and Wade, have stepped in every way they can, helping care for their dad and supporting their parents through unimaginable circumstances.

But ALS is relentless.

As Jim's condition has progressed, the level of care he requires has grown beyond what his family can safely provide at home on their own. He now needs professional 24/7 medical care. Making the decision to seek full-time care for someone you love is heartbreaking, but it has become necessary to ensure Jim receives the support, comfort, and medical attention he needs.

The financial burden of that care is staggering.

Jim spent more than 26 years serving others as a Detroit police officer and a Grosse Pointe public safety officer. He dedicated his career to protecting his community, helping those in need, and answering the call whenever someone needed assistance. Today, we are asking our community to answer the call for him.

Funds raised through this campaign will help offset the tremendous costs associated with Jim's round-the-clock medical care and provide relief to Michelle and her family as they navigate this difficult chapter. Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference.

Most importantly, your generosity will allow Michelle, Jim, Hope, and Wade to focus on spending precious time together rather than worrying about how they will manage the overwhelming costs of care.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for supporting a family that has spent a lifetime caring for others and now needs the support of the community that surrounds them.

With love and gratitude,

Juliana