Kathleen's ALS Fund

In June 2018, 3 years after beating cancer I was diagnosed with ALS and my life has been profoundly impacted ever since. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which progressively affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. Once the nerve cells deteriorate there becomes a loss of muscle activity and failure of the body’s muscle system. There is currently no cure and treatment is limited, individuals eventually become paralyzed, and have a life expectancy of 2-5 years.

As the sole provider and living alone, from the moment I was diagnosed with both cancer and ALS, my quality of life has severely declined. In the past 3 months the disease has progressed and my health has deteriorated rapidly.  I am no longer able to work and my loss of income has made it difficult to manage my finances. I have developed a speech impediment and I am no longer able to verbally communicate. As a result I was hospitalized for one week due to the frustrations from my inability to communicate with those around me. My family has reached out to the ALS society with hopes I will be able to get a speech machine. They are also reaching out to my medical team in search of a social worker.

As my physical ability has declined I am unable to eat and currently use a feeding tube. My son Christopher (who is in the Airforce) and my son Therron who has a young family, are working hard to assist me with my current expenses in the best way they can. However, it has created a tremendous financial burden on my family and in order to maintain my basic necessities I would appreciate any support towards my medical expenses and lifestyle changes that have resulted because of this debilitating disease.

I have no medical insurance or healthcare coverage. The current drug Radicava has been FDA approved and is known to reduce the progress of ALS. However, Radicava is not covered by my medical insurance and the cost is $1000 per an intravenous. Meal replacement, medication, daily travel, long term care and assistive living changes have tremendously impacted my finances. So any help would be greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance for any financial support you may be able to provide.

I am a member of the ALS society who has provided emotional and educational support, I have also has joined a church group through the ALS society. With each new day I become weaker, I live alone with limited support, and I am unable to speak or communicate, knowing my time is limited has made this all a horrible reality. But myself and family, along with my two sons ask for your continued prayers, words of encouragement and any support no matter how small. From the bottom of my heart it would mean the world to myself and family as we struggle to come to terms with the reality and life changes ALS brings. Every dollar will bring me closer to getting my treatment, medication, assistive medical devices and the ability to make it through each new day. Also any support or referrals would also be appreciated.

Thank you for your continued support.