The Ferst Family Fight ALS

Hi, my name is Jamme, a group of us are fundraising for one of our dearest friends, Tara Ferst & her family as they battle a cruel disease, ALS. In 2019 Tara went to the doctor for challenges she was having with her speech. After a year of doctors appointment and tests she was diagnosed with ALS, a diagnosis no one wants to hear especially someone in their 40's with a life full of dreams ahead. Tears were shed and if you know Tara, no diagnosis was going to slow her down. We all learned some sign language to help when she was tired and talking was too much - she has a few favorite signs she loves to give to her husband Dan ;)

The only thing predictable with ALS is that progression is inevitable - doctors can't tell you when progression will speed up or slow down, they can't tell you which part of your body will begin to fail you. Over the past few years it was hard to see any progression and Tara and her family adjusted to the new and frustrating normal. While Tara keeps fighting, her body is beginning to defy her stubbornness. Her legs don't go as fast as they used to, her hands don't want to hold onto her coffee as long as they used to, she tires from a slow walk to the car. Tara now uses a brace and cane to help her walk, but those walks are becoming shorter because it takes so much extra work and she will be using a wheelchair to conserve her energy so she can continue enjoying the little things in life that matter. Things we all take for granted like a simple meal with her family, or sitting in the sunshine with friends. As a result of her new found tools to help her navigate life the costs have increased. In addition to fighting this disease, the family are full time caretakers for her mother and father and as a result Dan is no longer able to work.

This is where we come in as a community, please help the Ferst Family by donating and sharing this so that we can help them get a van that can carry her motorized wheelchair and to get the house renovated in a way that can support the navigation and to prepare for the future needs that will be required for her as this disease continues to take away her independence.

This family has some of the biggest hearts I've ever met. They will drop everything to help anyone that needs it and it's time for us to return the favor.