Help Carolyn Breen McGinley with ALS

We have created this fundraiser for our friend Carolyn Breen McGinley, who was diagnosed with ALS. 100% of donations will go directly to Carolyn's needs. Gofundme never requires a tip at check out.

We have made substantial progress. Thank you everyone! With funds raised so far, Carolyn has paid for needed treatments to slow the progress of her ALS. She has installed a rail on the exterior of her house, a keyless entry, completed work on an accessibly designed bathroom and installed air conditioning, all thanks to the love and support of her beloved family and all of her friends. A stair lift chair was donated and installed. And most recently, a wheelchair was generously provided. Air conditioning was generously gifted by family and installed by friends at the beginning of June 2023. Thank you! This campaign will next focus on securing a motorized wheelchair, installing a wheelchair ramp, purchasing a motorized bed, and continuation of specialized treatments. Special thanks go out to Julie Beverly for joining our GoFundMe Team in 2023. See her note on this page to see photos of work completed and to connect to the Caring Bridge website for specific acknowledgments and other ways to help out.

Successful fundraising events were just held again at La Maison Health and Fitness in Wayne, PA on June 4, 2023 thanks to Julie Beverley and the club. Julie taught a spin class and got many involved in the ice bucket challenge to support Carolyn and the ALS Hope Foundation. Another special event was held at Creed's Restaurant on June 7, 2023. This builds on the great fundraisers held in 2022 at the Belrose Restaurant and the yoga class offered by Richard Garrison, also held at La Maison Health and Fitness.

Thank you to all of Carolyn’s beloved family and friends for your generosity of time, energy and funds to improve her quality of life! You are making a very real difference.

We will keep you updated as things continue to progress!

Carolyn is so grateful for your kindness and generosity, as are we.

Katie and John Holtz

Julie Beverly

Please read Carolyn's story in her own words:

Hi, my name is Carolyn. I was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig's disease, in June 2021, with symptoms beginning in 2019. My life expectancy as predicted by Temple Neurology and a second opinion at the specialty ALS Clinic at the Mayo Clinic, is 2-5 years from onset of symptoms, effecting speech, chewing, swallowing, breathing, voluntary muscles, including my limbs. At this time, heading towards four years after my first symptoms, I am experiencing atrophy and loss of strength and function in my upper body, including my arms, hands, and fingers along with more recent changes in my lower body, impacting my ability to walk as I used to. These changes make it difficult to carry out routine activities of daily living and perform job responsibilities. 

I have been working in the residential/commercial construction management industry, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Much of my time is spent on the computer of which my dexterity and strength in my fingers and hands are affecting my day-to-day work. Even sorting files becomes a strenuous and exhausting task. Experiencing changes in my legs is challenging. I am a lifelong exerciser and have also been involved in the fitness industry, teaching classes including spin, BARRE, and circuit training classes at Club La Maison in Devon, PA since 1992. 

Thank you so much for considering me.