Help Lori fight ALS

On September 19th, our family’s world was turned upside down when our mother, Lori received a devastating diagnosis, Bulbar ALS.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness and muscle death. It affects your ability to do anything on your own. Such as talk and walk, but also simple and important things most people don’t think of including scratch your nose, pull the covers up if you are cold or roll over in bed, and even eat and swallow. Eventually breathing becomes difficult and machines are required to assist your breathing until you are no longer able to breath. ALS treatment includes therapies to help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, however there is NO cure. The disease varies in how it affects each individual but the typical life span after diagnosis is 2-5 years. This form of ALS my mother has is more rare (bulbar) and is severely aggressive in its cruel progression, it will eventually affect her breathing and motor function as it starts in the upper extremities. Every day brings new challenges, making time our most precious commodity in this fight. Mom is facing this head-on with the courage we’ve always known her for.

She has been a teacher for the last 18 years and has had to resign due to her illness. She was only 2 years away from being able to retire so this has put a huge financial strain on our family. My gracious step dad has continued to work as long as he can but with this fast progressing disease he will eventually have to be home full time to help care for my mother full time.

Mom’s life now demands rapid and substantial adjustments. Her home must be equipped with ramps, equipped vehicle, accessible furniture, and an adapted bathroom. We have been thankful to get some assistance with her voice banking so she can still try to communicate with us via a synthetic voice once she becomes paralyzed and no long has capabilities of speaking. Beyond these immediate needs, she is confronted with overwhelming medical bills, regular doctor appointments, and the cost of essential, specialized equipment as well as trying to find a compatible vehicle for her wheelchair. As moms capabilities decline, the financial strain is mounting.

Our family is rallying around mom, but we face significant challenges also. With four siblings working full time and kids in school our loving stepfather, Jim now gearing up to take on the full responsibilities of parenting and caregiving. If you know mom you know she was always the “go getter” so the absence of moms physical and financial support will be deeply felt.

We ask that anything you are willing to contribute to help support our family during this difficult time is greatly appreciated. No donation is too small. No prayer is too small.

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Once again our families thank you from the bottom of our hearts.