Updates & Info: Oct. 2 

It’s heartbreaking to hear that she is going to be installed with a feeding tube. I think it will be the kind surgically installed into her stomach (I’ll let you know for sure when It’s done) The reason for this is her dysphasia, hich is described like this: Some people may be completely unable to swallow or may have trouble safely swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. When that happens, eating becomes difficult and potentially a hard to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish the body. Dysphagia occurs when there is a problem with the neural control or the structures involved in any part of the swallowing process. Weak tongue or cheek muscles may make it hard to move food around in the mouth for chewing. Her other conditions include loss of neurological control of muscles in her body. I’ve been told the sad reality is that the more funds available care, the more comfortable Taffy will be as this disease, or more accurately ‘these diseases’ wreak havoc throughout her body. 

Her neurologist suggested a multidisciplinary ALS clinic and/or facility. She can be treated by specialist for her multiple conditions. Physical therapy, message therapy for her rock-like stiff muscles, speech therapy, in addition to equipment more suitable for bathing her as she can no longer stand up. 

If it’s at all in your heart to donate for her care, please do. I’ve been told a place like this can be from $5k-$15k per month! 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and consideration.  

 Taffy’s Summary- initial posting: You may know her as your best and favorite karaoke singer. But, we all know her as a fun- sarcastic- friendly personality from so many areas of her life. Taffy was a hairdresser since a little after high school. Around 2009, she went back to school and worked for Multnomah county animal shelter; rescuing animals, finding them better homes, and dealing with all the things that a “animal cop“ has to deal with. In every aspect of her life she has gained loyal friends because of her attractive and strong personality. She has most recently been diagnosed with a fatal condition. She was diagnosed with upper motor neuron disease, lower motor neuron disease, neuromuscular disease, cervical disc myelopathy, and myelopathy again separately as well as dysphasia and dysarthria. Every single aspect of her life is being affected. She is now on the Oregon Health plan, and not much is covered for a person with a terminal illness. But, with adequate funding, she can be in a placed somewhere that is way more comfortable than where they want to put her. At this point she may be put into a foster home, and she would really (reasonably) want to be in a more professional environment with the actual medical care and assistance she really needs. if it’s in your heart, please consider donating toward her healthcare… she really needs your help.