The Fairchild Family's ALS Journey

Dear friends, family, and supporters:

Every parent hopes that in their child’s life, there will be a special teacher who builds confidence, inspires dreams and works tirelessly to give them the tools to make their dreams come true. An educator with a passion for teaching, who brings joy into their classroom and who knows and cares for each one of her students. Our Glynn A. Green School family is privileged to have Mrs. Fairchild being just that kind of devoted teacher. The contribution and impact she has made on our students, staff and community is immeasurable. Our Glynn A. Green staff are truly heartbroken to know that Mrs. Fairchild’s husband is now facing a terminal diagnosis of ALS at the age of 50, just as their daughter Bryanna is in University and their son Carter is due to begin University in September. On behalf of our entire staff, we invite our wonderful and caring school community and the broader community to help us ease the financial burden during this incredibly painful and difficult time. During this season of giving, we want to share abundant peace, joy, hope and love with the entire Fairchild family, so they know they are not alone.

Here is their story.

ALS sucks! That’s the motto the Fairchild’s have been living with since Jason’s final diagnosis on Aug 28th, 2024.

“Nothing like getting a terminal diagnosis on your 25th wedding anniversary day”, Jason notes. “Not exactly the date my wife was expecting.”

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gerig’s Disease, is 100% fatal with no cure, just a couple of medications that may extend life by a few months. Typically life expectancy is 2-5 years after diagnosis. ALS targets motor neurons causing loss of motor functions, like walking, talking, breathing, and eating. Eventually, you become trapped in your own body unable to communicate except with the help of technology and your eyes. Eventually, most people with ALS choke to death, as they can’t control the muscles to clear the lungs.

Jason’s ALS story has been a challenge for doctors to diagnose (as it is for any ALS diagnosis), since there is no one definitive test.

For 18 years, Jason had a successful home renovation business with his brother-in-law Jason Shaw. As part owner/operator, he worked long hours doing physical labour. His ability to work came to an immediate halt in August 2023 when he began to experience severe tightness in his calves and a lack of balance, eventually reducing his ability to move his toes. He also struggled with breathing, and a loss of grip strength. Finally, in September 2023, he went to the ER. They suspected he had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Jason was admitted to the hospital where he had five rounds of IVIG treatment. He seemed to respond well, with minimal return to normal functions, and was discharged after a week. Two weeks later, things got worse again, he went back to the hospital and they figured he had a relapse of GBS, so another round of IVIG was administered. After the third treatment, his white blood cell count dropped to near zero, and neutropenic fever set in. This led to a gamut of tests, including looking for rare blood cell cancers, everything from MRI’s to bone marrow biopsy. Every test ruled out other serious diseases but did not explain what was causing the neurological symptoms he was experiencing.

After a one month stay in the hospital, an EMG and Nerve Conduction Study led doctors to believe that Jason may have a chronic version of GBS called CIDP and referred him to another neurologist for a second opinion.

In January 2024 Jason had a second EMG/Nerve Conduction Study and this was the first time the Fairchild’s were told that it was likely ALS. He was then referred to the ALS Clinic in Hamilton where he underwent many more tests for several more months. These tests eventually led them to a final diagnosis of ALS.

During the diagnosis period Jason and his brother-in-law were forced to close their business. Jason has been unable to work since September 2023. This has created an unexpected financial strain on the Fairchild’s during a time where Bryanna is attending university and Carter is preparing to go to university next fall.

In addition to the cost of post secondary school, the financial burden of managing ALS is significant. Some things pertaining to mobility and breathing devices are covered through ALS Canada, however all modifications to the home and vehicles are not covered. Needless to say, the costs can quickly become overwhelming. That's why we're turning to you, our community, for help.

Your generous donations will enable the Fairchild’s to make necessary adjustments to their home environment, ensuring Jason’s safety and comfort as his condition progresses.

But beyond financial assistance, your support offers something even more precious: hope. It tells the Fairchild’s that they are not alone in this fight, that they have a vast network of caring individuals rallying behind them, lifting them up with love and encouragement every step of the way. Together, we can make a difference in their life and help them face ALS with strength, grace, and hope.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to easing the burden and providing them with the resources they need to live.