Chair Lift and Jazzy for Travis

In June 2011 my dad was diagnosed with M.S.- Multiple Sclerosis, after a year of serious tests, and years of symptoms but no answers, we finally had one. It was great knowing there was something that we could begin treating, but this was heartbreaking, because a life changing disease was the diagnosis. We knew just very little about, and had no idea at how much this would effect his way of life. 

Not even a year later, he was unable to work at all. The lesions on his brain had affected his normal everyday activity. Walking, talking, and thinking. My parents soon after, lost their home because of the lack of income. We did what we could to help, but it was not enough. They were forced to move into a new home, one that had a steep set of stairs and would eventually become too hard for him to walk up. He soon after, could no longer drive, his life that he knew and that we knew, was forever changed before he turned 50. 

My father, while I was growing up, was one of the most active, energtic, selfless and happiest people. He was always doing something with us kids, whether it was teaching us sports, or taking us to movies. I grew up a daddys girl, looking up to this man, who did all he could to support my family. He had multiple jobs, at a time, as did my mom. They were hardworking parents, his selfworth and pride was stemmed to providing for his family, making sure his family was happy and loved. So you can imagine, the toll that it took on him, knowing that he no longer could provide those basics. The emotional toll this has taken on him, has been his biggest challenge, besides the phsyical aspect. 

For the first few years, there was a huge adjustment period. Not only for my mom and us kids, but especially him. He was a different person, not in a bad way, but the father that we knew, was no more. Same loving guy, but his personality was changed as well. Ultimatly though, it made relationships stronger, if it was even possible, our family unit became closer. We started doing the walk MS every year, we have family and friends come together to show support for my dad, and to raise money for research to hopefully one day find a cure, for this disease that they still know so little about.  

He has to get monthly infusions, visit a neurologist and several other specialists depending on what the disease is affecting at the moment, his MRI's that he has to get every 3 months, to make sure the lesions aren't getting worse, and to see if the medicine is helping, or if its making more lesions, because the medicine can drastically do either at any point. As you can imagine the bills have added up for my parents.

My dad started falling alot, his legs were unable to function like they used to. His head has gone through many walls, many cuts, and many bruises. I moved in shortly after, not only so I could afford to finacially help my parents, but also to be at home during the day since I was lucky enough to work from home. So me being here, made it easier for him, but mostly a comfort for my mom, knowing someone could help him get from his chair, to the bathroom without falling, or if he does fall, at least help up.

I got married recently and my husband and my brother moved in with us, its great having someone around with muscles, it sometimes would take me or my mother hours to try and get my father up off of the floor. However, this isn't enough. He still falls, hits his head, or rolls his ankle, and he still can't get up quick enough to get to the restroom. 

My mom is my hero- If this has affected anyone as much as my dad, it is her. She works two jobs to do all she can to support him. She is the most giving, selfless human being I know. She works all day, and then comes home, and fixes my dad his dinner, bathes him, makes sure he is taking his meds, has to get him dressed, and he now also needs help going to the bathroom sometimes. She literally does everything she possibly can for him. On top of all that she has her own health problems, needs a hip replacement, but won't get one because any extra money they have, it needs to be to help him function at all and to basically live.

Right now we are trying to raise money for a Power lift chair,  Something that can raise him up so he doesn't have to go through the painful and lengthy transition period from sitting to standing. We are also trying to raise money for a jazzy manuel power "wheelchair" as well. Unfortunatly he is getting to the point to where he won't be able to walk at all, even with a cane, or a walker, which will soon give us reason to move again, because stairs are no longer an option. 

My mom is not one to ask for help, however I have seen the good that can come out of these gofundme accounts. Any help would help. Whether its for a good $1500 chair, the $3000 jazzy, that ultimatly is required, or money for a downpayment for a new place for them.

If anyone deserves help, its my dad, and my mom. Thank you for listening, thank you for your donations, this would not only mean the world to me, and my siblings, but to my mom and my dad, it would help us out more than you can imagine. My hope is that one day, this awful disease will find a longtime solution, or a even a cure.

To read about MS and how it affects my dad and so many others read it here : http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS