Brian's Challenge to Live with ALS
Donation protected
Two years ago, in the summer of 2014, Brian Curran, a Professor of Art History at Penn State, finally received an explanation for the variety of physical symptoms he had been experiencing. Doctors at Johns Hopkins University delivered the difficult news that Brian was suffering from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Since his diagnosis, Brian has drawn on his love and passion for his students and work to keep him engaged with undergraduate and graduate teaching, mentoring doctoral students in their research, staying on top of his research field, and leading health care reform campaigns at Penn State.
Brian and his wife, Mary (who also works at Penn State), are treasured and adored by their family and their ever-expanding group of friends and colleagues from around the world. Despite his commitment to slowing the progression of his disease through regular physical therapy and medical appointments, Brian's health has continued to decline to the point where he and Mary need to make difficult financial decisions regarding his care. Although well-insured, the out-of-pocket expenses associated with Brian's care as his illness progresses are staggering.
This Gofundme campaign will raise funds to give Brian and Mary the additional resources they need to make Brian comfortable, able to live in his home and get to medical appointments in the coming months, including a custom-made wheelchair, a used minivan customized for his wheelchair, and small renovations to their home to accommodate Brian's mobility challenges. The funds also will help support Mary as she spends increasing amounts of time tending to Brian, including grocery and meal delivery services and assistants to help bring Brian to appointments or care for him at home.
Anyone whose life has been touched by the Currans know that Brain and Mary truly are some of the most giving, kind, and generous people they've met. Brian and Mary have friends around the globe and never hesitate to help others in need. Giving back to them during this difficult time would honor the countless ways they have supported others throughout their lives.
Every little bit helps.....thank you for giving what you can. HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
You can read a Penn State article about Brian's story here: http://news.psu.edu/story/361737/2015/06/29/arts-and-entertainment/after-ice-buckets-are-empty-penn-state-professor
Brian and his wife, Mary (who also works at Penn State), are treasured and adored by their family and their ever-expanding group of friends and colleagues from around the world. Despite his commitment to slowing the progression of his disease through regular physical therapy and medical appointments, Brian's health has continued to decline to the point where he and Mary need to make difficult financial decisions regarding his care. Although well-insured, the out-of-pocket expenses associated with Brian's care as his illness progresses are staggering.
This Gofundme campaign will raise funds to give Brian and Mary the additional resources they need to make Brian comfortable, able to live in his home and get to medical appointments in the coming months, including a custom-made wheelchair, a used minivan customized for his wheelchair, and small renovations to their home to accommodate Brian's mobility challenges. The funds also will help support Mary as she spends increasing amounts of time tending to Brian, including grocery and meal delivery services and assistants to help bring Brian to appointments or care for him at home.
Anyone whose life has been touched by the Currans know that Brain and Mary truly are some of the most giving, kind, and generous people they've met. Brian and Mary have friends around the globe and never hesitate to help others in need. Giving back to them during this difficult time would honor the countless ways they have supported others throughout their lives.
Every little bit helps.....thank you for giving what you can. HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
You can read a Penn State article about Brian's story here: http://news.psu.edu/story/361737/2015/06/29/arts-and-entertainment/after-ice-buckets-are-empty-penn-state-professor
Organizer and beneficiary
Laura Klein North
Organizer
State College, PA
Mary Curran
Beneficiary