Support Theresa's Fight Against ALS

Theresa was recently diagnosed with ALS after experiencing a progression of muscle weakness and balance issues stemming from the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. She has started taking a medication that significantly slows the progression, and the neurologist also recommended a second opinion at USF Neurology in Tampa, which is set for the coming weeks to find out what variant of ALS this is, whether it's a genetic or non-genetic variant. Additionally, the neurologist also recommended physical therapy to try and overcome the weakness, as it is in the early stages. Theresa has changed and touched so many lives through her passion as an educator, and since my family has known her.

Numerous students and families come back to see her just to remind her how special she is and how thankful they are for how much she has impacted their lives! Her passion for what she does is one of the main qualities I deeply respect about her. This diagnosis is not only a shock but is robbing her of the joy to do what fulfills her, which is being with her students.

This news has also been particularly difficult for Brandon and Dylan, as they have been dealt bad news every other year since 2018, beginning with their dad and then both grandfathers - one in 2020 and one in 2022. It's hard not to ask why when the evil in the world seems to thrive while the good seems to suffer, and anyone lucky enough to know Theresa knows how much she means to so many people.

Seeing her and her family go through these new emotions and navigate what is their new normal has been a reminder that life is fragile and should be treasured. I know there's hope yet, but everything else is overshadowing that at this point.

The family appreciates any prayers and support you can send them on this journey ahead. Please consider supporting this GoFundMe so Theresa and her family can focus on her health and family and not be burdened with paying for monthly expenses and medical bills while she waits for aid programs to be approved.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354022