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March With Ide

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March with Ide

Eight years ago, at age 35, our good friend Matt Ide began to experience weakness and tingling in his hand. When it progressed to a significant loss of sensation, he saw his doctor. After a battery of tests, he was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS), a particularly aggressive form of MS. PPMS causes a steep and steady decline in both mobility and physical function. At the time of his diagnosis, he had established a career as a builder. Matt was passionate about his craft and was great at it. He continued to work for as long as he could, but eventually, the disease ravaged his body. When he no longer had the physical ability to continue, he reinvented himself by developing an expertise in electrical estimating, which is the work he does today. He does this work in spite of an inability to use his left hand, arm, and leg. His mobility has been seriously compromised and he struggles to maintain balance with a cane. As his disease continues to progress, handicap accessible equipment and logistical support are vital to his survival. He’s battling for his independence on a daily basis, and to his credit, he never complains. To this day, Matt has fought his disease with bravery and tenacity. Through this, we (his family and friends), are inspired by his courage.

In an effort to support him, we have created a GoFundMe campaign. Matt faces this incurable disease and looks towards the goal of working and living independently for as long as he can. He has maintained a tight budget, but needs help with medical bills. He is struggling to manage the ongoing costs of doctor’s visits, medications, treatments, physical therapy, etc. – the bills have overwhelmed him. Though he has health insurance, reimbursements are limited and many therapies are not covered. Additionally, he desperately needs to have modifications made to his home environment that will accommodate for his disabilities; such as a lift for the stairs, adaptive equipment, a walk in bath, and prescribed physical therapy equipment.

We are reaching out to you in the hope of raising $30,000. We need to support Matt’s goal of living an independent and productive life for as long as possible. Because of his health challenges, he had to let go of many of his dreams for the future; yet he has done it so heroically. Please give what you can, help Matt secure a quality of life most of us take for granted…until you see a loved one struggle with a disease like PPMS.

We deeply appreciate any consideration you may give to help our dear friend, Matt.
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Donations 

  • Chris and Karen Chiappinelli
    • $150 
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Noah Benedict
Organizer
North Kingstown, RI
Matt Ide
Beneficiary

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