Alyssa Barnum Eckman-ALS Care Expenses

This is Alyssa Barnum Eckman and her husband Jacob.  They met while attending school and were married two years ago. On February 15, 2019, their family received the devastating news that Alyssa was suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. 

ALS is one of the most difficult diagnoses to accept as it robs its patients of their ability to walk, eat, dress themselves, talk, swallow, and eventually breathe. Patients do not lose any cognitive ability, so the deterioration of the motor skills is particularly disheartening as the mind, unlike the body, stays completely unimpaired. In one respect it was a relief to know what was happening with Alyssa - the trouble she was having were not just random. There is no cure for the disease, only very expensive treatments with varying degrees of success at keeping the worst of the symptoms at bay. The average life span for a person diagnosed with ALS is 3-5 years, however every person's battle with ALS is different. 

Jacob and Alyssa left BYU-Idaho mid semester to move to Denver where her doctors are located to continue her care and treatment. Jacob will be taking a break from his Pre-Med program and his job in order to be with Alyssa during her decline. Jacob and her family will continue to provide daily care and comfort in addition to her therapies and treatments.

Any donations received will go directly to the growing expenses associated with Alyssa’s care. Anything you can give will contribute to her living out the rest of her life in grace, and maximize the precious time Jacob, Alyssa and family have together. We sincerely appreciate any donation, no matter how big or small. 

Thank you.