Brenda's Fight against ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's)

Several weeks ago, our family stood in shock as my brother's fiance was diagnosed with ALS. Our immediate response is deep prayer (please join us), but we also know this will take a tremendous medical and financial toll on Doug and Brenda and their four children. Doug and Brenda are so hesitant to accept help, but as a family, we realize theirs is a need bigger than anyone can manage on their own, hence this GoFundMe.

Their immediate needs include:

Brenda's Story

On April 8, 2022, after numerous tests and doctor visits, I was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. I will never forget this day or the doctor's words as he told me I have a terminal illness with no cure. My nightmare that I would never wake up from would begin, and my life as I knew it was changed forever, and I would begin my new life with ALS.

This diagnosis not only changed my life but the life of my loved ones, especially my two children. I knew the moment I told them it would change their life forever, and we would never be the same. I have spent the last few weeks grieving for the future that is being lost, the graduations, weddings, grandchildren I will never meet and seeing what amazing humans they will grow up to be.

I grieve for my parents, who will have to bury their child. I grieve for the love of my life Doug Gimby, who we just started building our life together and our new house, the man I planned to marry and grow old with and the future we are losing. I grieve for my family and friends who love me and want to help, but I don't know how they can because the only thing I want is to be cured of this, which no one can make happen.

I have cried, screamed, begged for it not to be true, sat in disbelief and denial. I have yelled at God, why me? Why would you take me away from children and my family? Why would you make them watch me suffer this horrible disease? What have I done to deserver this? To say my faith has been tested like never before is an understatement! I realized I had to change my thinking to get through this and to make the most of the time I have left. So I put my faith in God's plan and trust that there is a reason he chose me to endure this disease; was I chosen because I am strong, stubborn, or will I be a link in to finding a cure? I don't have an answer right now, but I will fight this disease and do as much as I can to live as long as possible.

I ask that you pray for my children, my family, Doug and Doug's family. This is a life journey we never imagined we would have to travel and not one that you could prepare for. In the days and, God willing, years ahead there will be a lot of laughter, tears, and anger, but I have the best support system God could have ever given me, and for that, I am truly blessed.

I am not one to put my personal life out on social media, but I want to bring awareness to this terminal disease that was discovered one-hundred fifty-three years ago and still has no cure. A two to five-year survival rate, few treatment options, and limited funding from the government. My hope is that I have educated you a little on this disease and that you will find ways to continue to bring attention to ALS, so hopefully, one day, another family will not have to suffer as mine will; there will be a cure.