With my heart filled with worry and hope, I'm reaching out to you on behalf of Joey Higuera; my dear friend, teacher, colleague, and ally to so many in our community and beyond. When he took a medical leave of absence at the end of the year, I knew something was wrong. In June, Joey shared that he was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). ALS is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

This fall due to the debilitating course of ALS, Joey was not able to return to work His MPMS faculty and staff community immediately started a meal train for Joey and his family. We raised over $1500. Still, as of today, simple tasks like picking up a glass or cutting his food are very difficult, yet, he engages each challenge with determination, a sense of humor, and an extraordinary sense of presence. If you know Joey, this is no surprise. I'm in awe of his and his family's adaptability. One of the first adaptive resources he obtained was an ADA video game controller so he can continue to play with his son and friends. Next, he acquired a knobby-wheeled walker to get out and enjoy nature. He and his family have made significant changes to their lifestyle and home to support Joey and respond to this diagnosis. On my last visit, when he could not lift his arms to hug, I realized just how challenging things were getting; I knew then it was time to reach out to the greater community.

Joey is the most disarming, compassionate person in the room. He has an uncanny ability to see people authentically and his presence allows people to be seen. Still, his greatest gift is how he connects with others. As a teacher, the littlest three-year-olds would find comfort in his arms and on his lap as he sang hip-hop songs or Spanish lullabies. Our primary school students cheered when they heard he was subbing for their PE class, and our middle school students called out 'Joeyyy' whenever he entered their line of vision. While at school, Joey was the guy students would turn to for help with friends, family, or academics. Equally important, Joey provided the fun playing soccer, pokemon, breakdancing, basketball, music, and making art with our students. At school or home, he is fun-dad with a giant heart!

His family and extended family are all in on providing Joey with what he needs. However, unfortunately, this progressive disease will not get better; there is no cure. Yet, we can help relieve some of the burden by helping with the costs of home health care, modifications for his home and transportation, physical therapy, and necessary supplements. According to the National Institutes of Health, the annual financial cost of ALS is $143,000 per year. Your donations will directly enable Joey to make necessary adjustments to his home ensuring his safety and engagement as his condition progresses. No matter how small, every donation brings us one step closer to providing Joey with the resources he needs to live his life to the fullest, despite this formidable challenge.

Adversity like what Joey is facing is insurmountable if he is on this journey alone. However, we know we are our best when we show up for each other. We know how empowering service can be especially when it is in service to others. Beyond financial assistance, your support provides hope to Joey and his family, offering the gift of being seen as he has done for everyone he knows.