My name is John Brumbaugh and I have ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a motor neuron disease that affects muscle movement, speech, and other bodily functions, and is incurable at present. Thank goodness my ALS progression is slow, but it affects my speech and ability to walk right now. I was diagnosed in May of 2024, and my ability to walk has gotten to the point that I need to use a wheelchair for any activity outside the house. I have been using a walker, but that is getting more difficult, and I will need to start using my power wheelchair around the house soon.

The biggest obstacle is we do not have a way to transport the chair or me in it. As early as this spring, we will be shifting to a fixed income and will not have the ability to afford a $1,000 to $1,200 per month payment for a mobility van. A used van with low miles will cost anywhere from $50,000 to $60,000. A new van will be in the range of $75,000 to $80,000. The increased cost is due to the special equipment and modifications they have to do to a van. It is a humbling experience for the normally self-reliant me to be reaching out to the community for support, but I am humbly asking friends, family, and the community for help.

Any funds left over will go to medical bills or the Arizona ALS Foundation. They have been a very big help and support for my family, and we want to give back if able. Your contribution and help will be a blessing to our family. It is with heartfelt appreciation.