Brad's Parkinson's Disease Fund

Brad loved running. He ran  all the time in the National Guard, he ran for exercise, and he ran for fun. He was running 20+ miles a week. One day, he got home from a run and said that his calf was badly cramping. Over the next week or so, it continued to get worse. He complained of all of his muscles twitching and cramping in both of his legs and his chest. We went to the doctor and were told that his symptoms were simply Benign Fasciculation Syndrome and that it should not be painful. We were then sent to a neurologist, and without an examination, Brad was told he had Scoliosis. We knew that this could not be the case. Over the next few months, Brad developed new symptoms such as numbness in his face, legs and arms. He developed a limp in his walk, and had almost constant muscle spasms making it hard to do daily activities such as walking and driving. 



Two years later, after seeing many neurologists, specialists at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, and numerous invasive and unnecessary tests later,  we still did not have an answer. No one knew what was going on. Everyone claimed he was too young and healthy for ANYTHING to be wrong. We were swept under the medical rug and brushed off almost completely. We finally made an another appointment with our neurologist, the one who had continually told us that there was nothing he could do for us. In the months leading up to the appointment, we were basically doing our own intensive research, online and in medical journals. We walked into our appointment and said that we believe Brad has Parkinson's Disease (PD) and/or Dystonia. The doctor sat back and thought for a second. He then proceeded to tell us that this was possible. Why this was NEVER mentioned before? Why did we have to come up with a possible diagnosis? 


After performing the necessary diagnostic testing (a DATScan), Brad was clinically diagnosed with Early/Young Onset Parkinson's Disease and Dystonia. 


Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder. It is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is life-changing.

This diagnosis came at the worst possible time. I had just quit my full time job in order to attend Nursing school. We were prepared to live on one income. I started school and a part time job. Brad  had an excellent job in Law Enforcement. He was there for 9 years, while serving in the Army National Guard for 12 years. After a few months of dealing with the initial symptoms, Brad was unable to perform the necessary functions of his job and had to go on temporary disability. Only, that did not come easy, since it took so long to get a diagnosis. 

We were told that with the progression and seriousness of his symptoms, it is unlikely that he will ever be able work again. We were left with nothing. 

We began piling up medical bills. We have 2 beautiful girls to raise and we also have 3 amazing dogs. 

We were so unprepared for this. We are young, so we were not ready to deal with a disease as unforgiving as PD at this point in our lives. Finally, after the diagnosis, we began receiving temporary  disability, but that is not enough for medical bills and living expenses.

Parkinson's Disease has no cure. With this diagnosis comes a lot of expenses. Therapies, medications, doctor visits, specialist visits and home care. There is also the cost of making our home safer for his daily use with home safety modifications. 

So here we are. People who hate asking for help, asking for it. We are humbling ourselves before our loved ones, family, friends and amazing people whom we've never met before. 

We are raising these funds to provide a wonderful father, husband, son, brother, friend and L.E.O. (Law Enforcement Officer) with the care he deserves and needs so desperately.

The funds raised here will go directly to helping my love, Brad. It will help pay for medication and  medical help that our insurance does not cover. It help cover the past due medical bills. It will help with treatment, therapies and home health. It will help get him back and forth to groups. It will help with home safety modifications and to assist us with the transition from a single income household to a household with a small income and SSDisability.  

Brad is an amazing person. He selflessly cares for everyone else before himself. I love this man for every reason and I hate seeing him deal with this extremely unforgiving disease. I want nothing more than to be able to care for Brad. He has provided so much for me, the girls and everyone around him. We love him so much and only want the best for him. 

Words cannot explain the appreciation we have for your generous donation to Brad's Parkinson's Fund and especially all of your words of encouragement and support. We are always looking for ways to give back. Both Brad and I are active in the Parkinson's Support Programs. We pledge to bring awareness to the disease and help others cope with their diagnosis as well as offer support. 

We ask that you share this campaign as much as possible. Any social media, email and even word of mouth will help immensely. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Without you, this campaign would be  unsuccessful. The caring group of officers at Kane County have suggested having a fundraiser for Brad, however at this time, we are unable to commit to a date because of schedules and appointments. We’ve decided to go ahead with this campaign.

We thank you for all of the love, support and the gift of your graciousness. We love you all. 

Amanda, Brad, Kate and Cara