Jimmy Sinclair’s ALS fund


My dear friend Jimmy received a devastating ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) diagnosis this week.  Three months ago Jimmy began having trouble controlling his legs and feet, resulting in unexpected falls in public.  He took a leave of absence from work to undergo a battery of tests and see a series of specialists.  Meanwhile, the disease symptoms have rapidly begun impacting Jimmy's quality of life.  He currently needs partial assistance to walk, full assistance to rise from a horizontal position, his breathing is labored and he's having difficulty swallowing.

You may remember hearing about ALS from the ice bucket challenge.  This devastating disease often starts in the extremities (hands, feet and limbs), then spreads to other parts of the body.  As the disease advances, muscles progressively weaken and eventually affect the ability to chew, swallow, speak and breathe. There is no cure for ALS and the cause is unknown. Following diagnosis, average life expectancy is 2-5 years. Typically, someone with advanced-stage ALS is able to see, hear, feel touch and think, but generally will lose the ability to verbally communicate. 


Jimmy is a newlywed and is about to celebrate his first anniversary with his wife, Heather.  Having never had biological children, Jimmy was enjoying his new role as stepdad to Heather’s two daughters and was looking forward to a long future with his new family.  Jimmy had recently taken a new job at Houlihan's Restaurants and was excited to be part of the company's revitalization & growth plans.  ALS is quickly robbing Jimmy and his family of their hopes and dreams.
 
I'm raising money for Jimmy because his health is deteriorating at a very rapid rate. His doctor and therapists have advised that he begin making his home handicap accessible and prepare for the intensive
medical impact that this disease will require.  His needs include: a tub lift ($4,000), computer speech device ($15,000), motorized scooter ($14,000), a hospital bed with lift ($6,000), ongoing therapy, nursing support, trial drug medications - and the list will grow as his disease progresses.  It's estimated that one year of care for someone with ALS costs $250,000.  So, while it may seem like my goal is ambitious, I know that reaching it will only scratch the surface of what his family is likely to need.  100% of funds raised will be used to support Jimmy's medical needs.

Some of Jimmy's best qualities are his personal integrity, his faith and his unassuming kindness.  He does not want our pity...he does not want our money... but he NEEDS it - and us - right now. Jimmy's ALS has shattered his dreams and devastated his family emotionally; but ALS doesn't have to financially devastate them too.  If you're reading this and don't know Jimmy, I ask you to please consider his cause as one you'll support. 

Thank you for consideration.  I am grateful for your time, prayers and for any donation you are willing to give.

If you'd like to learn more about how this disease impacts families, please click this link:
http://youtu.be/DrsJrIcX9lw

Blessings,
Amy