Raise Funds for Medical Treatment & Expenses
I am asking for help with medical related expenses for Steven Butala. Steven is a remarkable man who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in 2008. He lost the use of his legs in 2015 and had been in a wheelchair since then. Over the last six months he lost the use of his hands so he is no longer able to operate his wheelchair. His doctor ordered a new electric wheelchair with modifications to allow him to control it but it was denied by his insurance company so Steven is now completely bedbound.
We have a glimmer of hope with a new medical treatment but again, insurance will not cover this.
Steven has the opportunity to have stem cell therapy in two weeks but we need to raise the necessary funds before we can proceed with the treatment. This procedure has shown promising results and we want desperately for Steven to receive this treatment and this is why we need your help.
Steven is in constant pain as his muscles contract and shorten. He is unable to use his phone and the computer that he uses to work is having more difficulty responding to his voice commands as his ability to articulate words decreases. We are praying that this treatment will lessen his pain and give him back the use of his hands and some upper body strength so he can use a wheelchair again.
I would like you to get to know Steven, he has been through so many struggles but still smiles from ear to ear. Steven started having Muscular Dystrophy symptoms while he was in graduate school but still went on to earn his Ph.D. in Chemistry and worked as a research scientist. He married his sweetheart, Sheri, in 1998. Together they were licensed foster parents for 8 years. They opened their home up to over 25 children throughout that time. They adopted their son in 2004 and 5 years later adopted 3 sisters from the foster care system.
Steven continued to work even as the disease progressed. He went from walking on his own to using a cane, then a walker and then a wheelchair. Even while he was in a wheelchair he commuted an hour, each way, to his job so that he could support his family.
Tragedy struck Steven and his family again in 2019 when his sweet wife of 21 years passed away suddenly. Steven struggled to keep his family together as his disease continued to progress leaving him unable to work outside the home.
It seemed that at every turn the system was working against him. He was told that he did not qualify for paratransit services. Insurance would not pay for caregivers to come to his home to bathe and change him. His insurance company agreed that he qualified for modified computer equipment that would allow him to work from home, modifications to his home that would make it wheelchair accessible and for a lift from the bedroom to a bathroom to allow him to shower but they later denied all of it before it was installed.
He has broken multiple toes trying to maneuver his wheelchair around his home, but he still smiles. He cries out in pain as his limbs are moved, yet he continues to smile.
I met Steven late in 2020 and his strength and courage have been such an inspiration to me. So many people would give up but he continues to give back and serves those around him by leading meetings for recovering addicts via Zoom. Steven is a great man with so much determination and such a positive attitude.
Any and all funds donated will be used for the medical procedure and other medical related expenses. These other medical expenses may include a modified wheelchair and making the home wheelchair accessible as well as basic medical supplies for Steven.
If you are able to give a monetary gift, of any amount, we would greatly appreciate it but if not, please share this fundraiser.
Steven would love for you to pray for him.
I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to read this.
