Family & Friends 4 Brian

Friday, September 9th, 2022 was the day I was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, Motor Neuron Disease). My life was turned upside down when I was told I had 1-3 years to live. With the sudden realization that my oldest child was only a Freshman in high school, I lost my composure when it sunk in I would likely not get to see any of my 3 kids graduate high school, walk my daughter down the aisle, and not get to be a grandpa...and I know I would have been the best grandpa!

Shortly after my ALS diagnosis, we had to push the "mute" button on my journey because my wife, Amy, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2022. Her journey has been difficult...significant surgery, 7 months of aggressive chemotherapy and finally 25 radiation treatments. Through it all, Amy has handled everything with an amazing sense of calmness, grace and toughness (needless to say I have not been calm, tough or graceful)! We are hopeful to complete her treatment journey by Christmas time, 2023, which will be a wonderful blessing for Amy and our family!

So for the last 13 months while we focused on Amy's journey, my condition has been a tightly held secret. That changed on October 28th, 2023, which was the day my wife and I were finally able to tell our kids about my ALS diagnosis. Nothing can prepare you for that discussion and I pray none of you reading this story ever have to go through it. I am so proud of my kids for the way they listened to the bad news, shared their feelings, asked questions and finally, for pledging to help me fight together!

In closing, I have mixed emotions about a GoFundMe page. Those that know my wife and me would likely say we are terrible at asking for, and receiving, help. We have always been independent people who believe in hard work and making things happen for yourself. Furthermore, I have always been able to provide for our family, and it is killing me to admit I won't always be able to, and that I certainly could use help from family and friends for medical expenses (Amy's and mine), home modifications, wheelchairs, etc.

So that's it, really...this is a GoFundMe to help me and my family. I can't thank you enough for reading my story and considering to help. Here’s to more September 9th’s!

Blessings & Peace,

Brian

Brian Mitchell Family

2209 W Stoneridge Trl

Greenfield, IN 46140