Fred's ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease
Donation protected
On Aug 23rd 2013 my dad received a diagnosis that would drastically change the rest of his life. At 61 years old dad was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). Just when he was beginning to plan out how to retire, he was told the remaining time he had would be spent fighting to live another day.
Fred Hegel, my dad, has been an extraordinarily loving father to both my brother and myself. He is a devoted husband to my step mom who he had married in 2010. You can imagine the shock to Rachel Hegel (my step-mom) when she learned her new husband’s life would be cut short when their lives together should really just be starting. She has stepped up in a way that to this day astounds me. While fighting with her own disability she has stuck by dads side as his caregiver and wife.
Both Fred and Rachel are incredibly strong and despite their everyday struggles, they maintain a quality of life that I am envious of. Anyone that knows my dad would understand that this wouldn’t be possible if he were placed into a caregiving facility. We know that if forced away from his home and the constant love of his family, it would be as awful a blow as the day he was told he would be living out his remaining time battling ALS.
This is the reality my dad and stepmom now face. They have been renting their home for the last four years. While financially it has been tight, they have been able to get by to this point. The awful news from the homeowner has come informing them of his intent to sell the house.
Fred and Rachel currently get by on a limited income from disability and social security. With the burden of massive medical debt, no lender will provide them the money needed to purchase the home. Even moving seems like an impossibility. Anyone reading this knows the expenses involved in moving, and that’s if they could even find a decent renter that would except them on their credit and income. If those limitations were overcome we would still need to locate a home that fits dads needs.
We are reaching out for your help. My dad is good man with a big heart. His fight to enjoy a few more years watching his family grow is real. He deserves to spend those years in his own home. Not only do we appreciate your financial help, but your love and prayers are most welcomed.
Fred Hegel, my dad, has been an extraordinarily loving father to both my brother and myself. He is a devoted husband to my step mom who he had married in 2010. You can imagine the shock to Rachel Hegel (my step-mom) when she learned her new husband’s life would be cut short when their lives together should really just be starting. She has stepped up in a way that to this day astounds me. While fighting with her own disability she has stuck by dads side as his caregiver and wife.
Both Fred and Rachel are incredibly strong and despite their everyday struggles, they maintain a quality of life that I am envious of. Anyone that knows my dad would understand that this wouldn’t be possible if he were placed into a caregiving facility. We know that if forced away from his home and the constant love of his family, it would be as awful a blow as the day he was told he would be living out his remaining time battling ALS.
This is the reality my dad and stepmom now face. They have been renting their home for the last four years. While financially it has been tight, they have been able to get by to this point. The awful news from the homeowner has come informing them of his intent to sell the house.
Fred and Rachel currently get by on a limited income from disability and social security. With the burden of massive medical debt, no lender will provide them the money needed to purchase the home. Even moving seems like an impossibility. Anyone reading this knows the expenses involved in moving, and that’s if they could even find a decent renter that would except them on their credit and income. If those limitations were overcome we would still need to locate a home that fits dads needs.
We are reaching out for your help. My dad is good man with a big heart. His fight to enjoy a few more years watching his family grow is real. He deserves to spend those years in his own home. Not only do we appreciate your financial help, but your love and prayers are most welcomed.
Organizer
Eric Hegel
Organizer
Lafayette, IN
