Support April Watson in Her Battle with ALS

April - Mother. Wife. Daughter. Auntie. Cousin. Friend. Human Sunshine... and so much more.

In the spring of this year, my mom was handed the heartbreaking diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) after a year of mystery symptoms impacting her day-to-day life. For those unfamiliar with ALS, it is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes the loss of muscle control for which there is currently no cure. She has been diagnosed specifically with bulbar-onset ALS, which unfortunately tends to progress more rapidly. In these past few months, her symptoms really have escalated quickly. Walking, speaking, eating, drinking, and even breathing have become more difficult by the day. Everyday outings are now limited mainly to important medical appointments, however we are feeling blessed that she is still able to travel which allows us to continue to create memories with our mom. However, losing her independence particularly has been a challenge. Life has been forever changed for my mom April, my dad Alan, myself, and my two younger siblings, Chloe and Ryan.

Many have asked how they can best support my mom and our family through this tough time. The truth is, what we need most at this time is financial security. The cost of ALS is high. Countless tests in hopes for an answer leading up to the final diagnosis, routine medical appointments with specialists, therapies to maintain her comfort levels, and so many more unknowns that continue to arise as she travels down this road. We need to know that we can afford the many medical treatments, hospital stays, and care to keep her comfortable through this journey. Because there are only about 5,000 people diagnosed with ALS in the US each year, it is extremely rare and as a result - a very expensive diagnosis. Specialists are needed that we do not have here in Santa Barbara. My mom and dad have been traveling to Cedars-Sinai in LA regularly for treatment, and recently to Boston as well. While these have provided some much-needed answers and even a potential for a clinical trial, it has all added up quickly and will continue to do so. Financial needs include medical bills/treatments, health aides/support, and resources to allow my mom to take a dream vacation with her family. All donations will be used to support my mom April and our family during this difficult time.

My mom has dedicated her life to bringing an abundance of sunshine to each and every life she touches. If there is any way that she can lend a helping hand to someone in need, she is the first one there. It is a quality that I and so many others have admired in her for years. She would often buy flowers and create beautiful bouquets to spread joy to those around her including our local teachers, grocery and hospital workers. She has given endless amounts of time and money to local community members, causes, and organizations such as The Dream Foundation, Flower Empower, countless school and charity programs, and her favorite - The Friendship Paddle. This will be year 10 of my parents participating in this beautiful event in honor of her dear friend Tara Haaland-Ford and my mom is determined to be there to continue on that tradition.

Almost as quickly as my mom received this devastating diagnosis, she redefined the meaning of those three awful letters to mean something beautiful: April’s Love Soldiers. A special title given to all of those that love and support her. We cannot thank everyone enough for all the love and support sent our way during this impossible time. We are so thankful that she is feeling the light being reflected back to her by all of her Love Soldiers as she continues down this road.

Thank you,

Sienna Watson