Help Kris Beat ALS!
Donation protected
In August of 2014 my sister, Kris Cady participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Along with 17 million people worldwide, she helped raise $115 million to fund ALS research. She never dreamed that less than one year later she’d begin experiencing the symptoms of ALS herself, and be diagnosed in January of 2016. In the time since her symptoms have progressed, leaving her hands, arms and legs extremely weak. Recently she’s been offered the opportunity to purchase an experimental drug that could slow or stop the progression of this disease, but the cost is huge and she needs your help.
What is ALS? Simply put, ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) gradually robs its victims of all muscle control, rendering them completely paralyzed. Although scientists are making good progress, right now there is no approved, effective treatment or cure for ALS. ALS patients have a life expectancy of just two to five years.
Meet Kris: Kris could be anyone’s next door neighbor. Daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She has two children, Jason and Danielle. Three grandchildren, Madison, Audrey and Ben. Kris and husband Randy until recently resided on a small farm in Wisconsin where they lived immersed in fresh air and sunshine, home grown fruit and produce, farm raised beef and pork, and plenty of Wisconsin cheese. She loves cooking, photography, art and gardening. An animal lover, Kris and Madison volunteered at the local zoo. When her lifelong career as a print industry graphic artist turned digital, she simply retrained to keep up with the industry. Always active, Kris loved walking, biking, swimming and even took up running, hitting the two-mile mark on her 50th birthday. There wasn’t much that could slow her down. Until ALS.
Life with ALS: Early on Kris’s symptoms might have just seemed like typical aging. She couldn’t run or walk as far. Eventually her unnatural gait, muscle twitching and loss of strength made it clear this wasn’t just aging. Four months after diagnosis she was forced to quit her job. Six months in she was using a walking stick and soon after a walker. They sold their home in the country for one Kris can better navigate. In January Randy, a talented cabinet maker, took an extended leave from his job to care for her. More recently she is increasingly dependent on a wheelchair. It seemed nothing short of a miracle could change the inevitable progression of ALS.
Miracle? Desperation makes you search for answers, even when you aren’t sure they exist. Kris recently discovered a promising, experimental drug available through the FDA “compassionate use” program. Unfortunately, it’s not covered by insurance, leaving Kris to pay $14,000 (plus fees and supplies) for a 6-month supply. Another drug, Edaravone, is expected to be approved by FDA, likely in the next year. Edaravone will be covered by her insurance. Why not simply wait for Edaravone? Because Kris loses strength and the ability to move every day. She needs help NOW before she completely loses the ability to move her hands, arms and legs. With your help, Kris can afford to purchase a one-year supply of this drug that could stop the progression of this terrible disease and ultimately save her life. Any amount is truly and sincerely appreciated!
Kris, a talented photographer, is no longer able to hold her camera. Please enjoy these photos, taken near her country home.
What is ALS? Simply put, ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) gradually robs its victims of all muscle control, rendering them completely paralyzed. Although scientists are making good progress, right now there is no approved, effective treatment or cure for ALS. ALS patients have a life expectancy of just two to five years.
Meet Kris: Kris could be anyone’s next door neighbor. Daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She has two children, Jason and Danielle. Three grandchildren, Madison, Audrey and Ben. Kris and husband Randy until recently resided on a small farm in Wisconsin where they lived immersed in fresh air and sunshine, home grown fruit and produce, farm raised beef and pork, and plenty of Wisconsin cheese. She loves cooking, photography, art and gardening. An animal lover, Kris and Madison volunteered at the local zoo. When her lifelong career as a print industry graphic artist turned digital, she simply retrained to keep up with the industry. Always active, Kris loved walking, biking, swimming and even took up running, hitting the two-mile mark on her 50th birthday. There wasn’t much that could slow her down. Until ALS.
Life with ALS: Early on Kris’s symptoms might have just seemed like typical aging. She couldn’t run or walk as far. Eventually her unnatural gait, muscle twitching and loss of strength made it clear this wasn’t just aging. Four months after diagnosis she was forced to quit her job. Six months in she was using a walking stick and soon after a walker. They sold their home in the country for one Kris can better navigate. In January Randy, a talented cabinet maker, took an extended leave from his job to care for her. More recently she is increasingly dependent on a wheelchair. It seemed nothing short of a miracle could change the inevitable progression of ALS.
Miracle? Desperation makes you search for answers, even when you aren’t sure they exist. Kris recently discovered a promising, experimental drug available through the FDA “compassionate use” program. Unfortunately, it’s not covered by insurance, leaving Kris to pay $14,000 (plus fees and supplies) for a 6-month supply. Another drug, Edaravone, is expected to be approved by FDA, likely in the next year. Edaravone will be covered by her insurance. Why not simply wait for Edaravone? Because Kris loses strength and the ability to move every day. She needs help NOW before she completely loses the ability to move her hands, arms and legs. With your help, Kris can afford to purchase a one-year supply of this drug that could stop the progression of this terrible disease and ultimately save her life. Any amount is truly and sincerely appreciated!
Kris, a talented photographer, is no longer able to hold her camera. Please enjoy these photos, taken near her country home.
Organizer and beneficiary
Deborah Reynolds Biesemeier
Organizer
West Lafayette, IN
Kris Cady
Beneficiary
