Help our stunt sister Elle Alexander fight OPMD!

This past fall, long-time Stuntwomen's Association member Elle Alexander was diagnosed with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called OPMD. Because it is so rare it's difficult and expensive to diagnose with extensive and complex testing. While it is not fatal, it is currently incurable and requires both multiple surgical treatments and therapy.

We are hoping to help lessen the burden of this terrible disease by helping Elle out financially with the costs of the testing as well as some of the surgeries she has already had to have, as well as those to come in the future.

Elle has been unable to work since January 2022 due to complications from OPMD, and her residual income is diminishing. While she is receiving Disability, it is only a fraction of previous earnings. And because she is now considered permanently and totally disabled, she cannot work in any capacity. (She is not eligible for support from the Taurus Foundation or Stuntwomen's Foundation because her condition is not a work injury.)

The impact on Elle's life has been devastating, especially for such an active, athletic, vibrant person. She just recently announced her situation to her friends with this message:

"I wanted to let my friends and stunt family know of my current situation. I have been doing stunts and acting for over 25 years. I've unfortunately had to stop working and am now permanently disabled due to a diagnosis of a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called OPMD. It affects my arms, legs, balance, strength, swallowing, vision as well as many other issues.

"I have slowed down and did not know that the extent of what was happening was all due to the OPMD. I have told the girls in my group, the Stuntwomen's Association, at our meeting last month. I will continue as VP (as they have graciously voted me in again), for the remaining year, even though I can not do stunts anymore.

"It has been and still is very hard right now as every part of my day is affected in some way by this disease. It's hard to come to grips with this new situation. Not being able to do stunts or acting anymore is a very hard blow. As an athlete, not being able to play sports is devastating as well.

"Anyway, I'm sharing this because I want people to know why I can't work anymore. I wanted to make sure all my friends and the stunt community know. As hard as it is to put this down on paper, it's even hard for me to tell people on the phone or in person. Please share this with my other friends in the stunt community. It's easier for me to let everyone know that way. Thank you! Elle"

This battle for Elle will be lifelong. We hope to make this fight a little easier for our dear friend. Thank you for any support you can give, and for sharing with the stunt community.