Thank You for Helping Support Margaret & Rick's Medical Care

1/8/25: THANK YOU ALL FOR SO GENEROUSLY SUPPORTING MY SISTER WITH ALS AND HER DISABLED HUSBAND WITH THEIR MEDICAL CARE. WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU! We will continue to provide periodic updates on Rick's condition, however, we are no longer seeking donations per their family's request. On behalf of our entire family, again we thank you and may God continue to bless you and your loved ones with love, joy, and great health! AMEN.

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(Edited 1/8/25 from our previous posts.)

Support for my sister with ALS and her disabled husband

Hi, I’m MaryAnn Schumacher. I originally wrote on behalf of my sister, Margaret (diagnosed with ALS in 2023), and her husband, Rick (suffered a severe stroke in 2011). [See updates #22, #23, #24 in December 2024 regarding Margaret.] We wanted to thank everyone who reached out with prayers and financial aid to help with their extensive medical bills, professional nursing care, and other unexpected expenses that arose over the past year. Although their family is no longer asking for donations, we will continue to provide updates on Rick's health. Please know how much we have appreciated your many kindnesses!

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(This was their story, but we are no longer seeking donations per their family's request, thank you!)

A True “Love” Story

Margaret Love (nee Schumacher) and Rick Love, both in their 70s, were married for 45 years (1979) with four wonderful grown children; Ricky, Ryan, Mallory, and Melany. Throughout their life together, they shared their love of sports and lived a very busy, active life together.

In June 2011, and without notice, Rick had a severe stroke that left him unable to care for himself and almost completely dependent on his family for his every need. Margaret was his main caregiver from the beginning; our brother, Franz Schumacher, cared for Rick during the day while Margaret was at work.

In December 2022, as Margaret prepared to take Rick to an appointment, she fell and broke her ankle due to a weakness in her leg. In time her ankle healed, yet the muscle weakness continued to spread. After 12 years of being Rick’s primary caregiver, Margaret herself was faced with a major and unexpected diagnosis of ALS, (also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”) in May 2023. [ALS is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord causing loss of muscle control that gets worse over time; there is no cure.]

Although Margaret continued to care for Rick even after her own diagnosis (with help from their children), sadly her condition deteriorated rapidly to the point where she herself needed care – both from her children and medical professionals. Sadly, Margaret passed on Christmas Eve (2024) after her brave battle with ALS, but Rick continues to be wheelchair bound and requires 24/7 care. Although their children have bravely been their key support system, Rick has been at the point where professional nursing staff are required to provide the level of care he needs.

Our entire family thanks you for all of your generous donations that went directly to the continued nursing care for Margaret and Rick. May God bless you for your generosity and your prayers. Thank you! ❤️