## Help Us Support Stephen Aich's Fight Against ALS

Hello, my name is Mathew Aich. I am reaching out to share our family's journey with ALS and how you can help us support my father, Stephen Aich, who has always been our rock.

### Stephen's Journey

Stephen was diagnosed with ALS in November 2025. This news came after a lifetime of resilience—he overcame a coma as a child, demonstrating incredible strength at 9 years old by learning to walk again. He went on to become a successful fine dining manager, showcasing his talent and hard work in the hospitality industry.

In 2000, a major auto accident left him unable to work for a time, but he refused to let that define him. Determined, he traveled the country building pole barns and riding semi-trucks with his brothers, Rick and Leo. Just this year, he celebrated his retirement, only to begin showing troubling signs of ALS shortly before then.

His mobility began to dwindle in November of 2024. By Christmas, I was stopping by in the mornings to do his daily chores after working nights. We moved Dad in with us in January of 2025.

### A Loving Family Man

Throughout my life, my dad has been my biggest supporter. He has always been present, making everyday activities enjoyable, and instilling in me the values of hard work and family. Now, at 34, I have my own wife and our daughters of 5, 9 and my niece, 15, whom we took guardianship of in 2020 and adopted in 2022.

Despite my own financial struggles—such as the impact of COVID on my commercial construction career, which required travelling and the decision to take a pay cut to work locally for more family time—my focus remains on my girls and supporting my father.

### Why We Need Your Help

We are in urgent need of funds to renovate our home to make it handicap accessible for my dad. Our house, built in 1964, is not equipped for his needs following his ALS diagnosis. The renovations include:

- Remodeling the bathroom into a fully handicap-accessible facility.

- Relocating the laundry room and hot water heater into the garage for better access.

- Widening the door frames of his bedroom to accommodate mobility aids.

### The Impact

By contributing to this campaign, you will help ensure that my dad can navigate our home comfortably, maintain his dignity, and continue to be an active part of our family life. This renovation is not just about physical space; it’s about making memories with a man who has given so much to all of us.

### Call to Action

Any amount you can contribute will help immensely, whether it’s a dollar or just sharing this page with friends. Thank you for supporting our family during this challenging time. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us.

From my family to yours, thank you for considering helping us support my dad, Stephen Aich. We are grateful for any support, and we will keep everyone updated on his progress and the renovations.