<div> After spending the last couple of months in and out of hospitals and rehab facilities and having countless tests to figure out what is going on, our mom, Liz Thompson, has been diagnosed with ALS, also known to many as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. 

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<div>ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a rare, progressive, and terminal neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to muscle weakness and paralysis, and eventual respiratory system failure. 

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<div>There is no cure for ALS yet.

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<div>After weeks in this most recent hospital stay, Mom is finally discharged and is home. She needs help doing everything. She can no longer sit up without assistance. She cannot stand or walk. She has effectively zero use of her left hand and arm, and extremely limited use of her right hand and arm. The muscles in her face have started to freeze with stress or when she’s excited, causing uncomfortable spasms that can last for minutes at a time and leave her unable to speak. She has difficulty chewing and swallowing her food. Her muscles are too weak for her to even cough, which makes the threat of choking that much more severe.

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<div>Mom’s body is failing her. She now relies on others for everything. This is an unimaginable cruelty for someone who has always been so independent and free-spirited. We grew up hiking in local parks, running around in the backyard, swimming at our grandparents, dancing in the kitchen – with her right beside us for it all. In all her life, Mom has never, ever been one to sit still. Just a few months ago she was dancing and having the time of her life at her daughter’s wedding, holding a grandbaby in one arm and waving the other arm in the air like she just didn’t care. 

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<div>And now? Sitting still is all Mom can do. 

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<div>We are all absolutely devastated by this diagnosis and as we navigate next steps, we are asking our friends, family, and community to help defray the massive expenses that are related to her care. ALS is often referred to as the “bankruptcy disease” because of the immense financial challenge it causes for patient families. We would be so appreciative of any relief Dad (and Mom) can get during this unthinkably difficult time.

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<div>A partial list of things of which Mom and Dad are in need:

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<li>Transport via an outside organization and/or personal wheelchair accessible car/outfitting a family car with a powerlifter

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<li>Medical equipment and tools for home

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<li>Accessibility renovations in the house, where needed

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<li>Cost of self-pay treatment when insurance considers certain treatments as "experimental," plus additional uncovered medical costs and deductibles

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<li>Assistance with bill and mortgage payments on top of medical bills, while Dad is the primary caregiver for both Mom and Grandma

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<li>Additional at-home care needed from medical professionals (hospice, live-in, visiting nurses, etc.)

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<div>A little bit about Mom: 

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<div>She and Dad have been married for 34 years. She was an “OG mommy blogger,” writing with self-deprecating humor about raising their three daughters and one son on the “This Full House” blog starting in 2003. As the family has grown over the past few years with the additions of a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law (with another being added soon), and three adorable granddaughters, she has embraced it all with eager, wide-open arms and her customary, beautiful smile.

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<div>She has held various jobs over the years but by far her favorite titles are “Mom” and “Mimi.” She has been our constant support, our biggest cheerleader, and the fiercest matriarch. Naturally we want to take care of her in the best way we can: she deserves that and so much more.

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<div>Please consider donating (every little bit helps!) and sharing this page with your network. Your support, no matter in what form, means the world to us and will buoy us as we muster all our strength during this most challenging time for our family.

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<div>Thank you and lots of love,

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<div>Team Liz

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Anonymous

Erika Kiss

Frederick Rommel

Matthew Mawson

Margit Detweiler

Leigh Kelsey O'Donnell

Dora Ciaglia

Laura Chiusano

Samuel Kovach-Orr

Isabella Cirillo

Jodi Quercia

Beth Engelman

Kirsten Piccini

Maggie Carney

Evan Mandragona

Susan bergman

Don Young

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