In July 2020 the lives of a family that I care very deeply about changed drastically when my dear friend of over 40 years, Melanie Tower (nee Hornby), was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). I am launching this fundraiser on behalf of her, her Husband Dave, and their three children, Ava, Lyla, and Mack as they need our emotional and financial support while navigating a path no one should ever have to walk, let alone walk alone.

Melanie’s generosity and compassion for others has touched so many lives on both sides of the Fort Erie and Buffalo border. She is such a special person, a dedicated and loving Mother, a Wife, Daughter, Granddaughter, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend to so many. ALS has taken many freedoms away from her these last few years, many of these are freedoms most of us take for granted each day, and she has continued to smile and remain positive through it all. Unfortunately, the disease is progressing and as this cruel disease continues to have no cure it will end her life.

On the als.org website, they state $250,000.00 to be the estimated out-of-pocket cost for caring for a person with ALS (https://www.als.org/understanding-als/what-is-als). This crushing amount is not a concern any family should have to carry and it is my hope that through this GoFundMe together, we will be able to help alleviate them of at least some of that weight. This is my hope and prayer for this deserving family, and if you can help in any way, we thank you so very much for your caring and generosity.