Help Chris in his fight with ALS

All who know Chris know him to be a shining light. He is a kind and caring soul who has never met a stranger. He would give the shirt off his own back to anyone in need. Some might say that Chris has been a jack of all trades in his lifetime. In some circles, Chris has been known as a musical genius leading multiple bands, a sought-after photographer in upstate SC, or the artistic woodworking master who could build anything he set his mind to. Chris has devoted much of his time to serving his community through the church, both as an Assistant Pastor and Youth Minister. At the St. John’s Lutheran Church, he served as the contemporary service worship leader, church council president, Sunday School teacher, and superintendent. Chris is the loving husband of Martha Sigmon, married 46 years this month. The pair radiate loving kindness. Together, they have three children and five grandchildren—all of whom could tell you just how wonderful Chris is on a personal level.

In the year 2021, Chris lovingly built several custom furniture pieces for family members, his own guitar from scratch, and beautiful cutting boards with the intent to create a small business out of his creations. By the fall of that same year, following two back-to-back surgeries, Chris began to experience back pain and weakness in his body. A few months later, on a routine 1.5-mile walk with his wife, he became aware of a pronounced weakness in his right leg, causing a slower gait. He was only to make it a quarter of a mile this day, which was alarming. Over the next month, the distance Chris could walk went from that quarter mile to front door-to-mailbox. Eventually, he had to stop exercising altogether because of his “drop foot.” One week after this, he needed a cane to walk. Shortly after, he relied on a walker to move around at all.

After several tests on his spine and less severe diagnostic hypotheses proven wrong, Chris was referred to a neurologist who began to conduct nerve studies. These tests inevitably revealed abnormalities, ringing alarm bells for his doctors. On May 16, 2022, Chris was given a preliminary diagnosis of ALS-Lou Gehrig’s Disease. On June 7, 2022, the family’s fears were realized, and his official diagnosis was confirmed.

Chris continues to experience extreme fatigue, pain, and rapidly weakening limbs. At this point in his journey, he relies on a wheelchair to move. As there is no cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Chris has begun a medication called Radicava (edaravone) to slow the rapid progression of this awful disease. In a recent discussion with one of his doctors regarding hopes and goals, Chris stated that he wants to see his youngest son marry his fiancé, become a grandfather once more, and spend as much time as humanly possible with his loved ones.

While the family is hopeful that the Radicava will help give us more time together, it is a great expense that no one could have anticipated. The Sigmon family home has undergone recent renovations to build a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the front door, thanks to the generosity of some beloved church members. But the journey has only just begun for Chris and his family. Martha is still coordinating fully transforming their home into a space where Chris can safely live. The couple has had no other option but to sell their cars in order to have a handicap-accessible van for Chris’ transportation. He will have to continue making routine visits to multiple specialists, the ALS clinic in Charlotte, and various therapists. A motorized wheelchair is on the horizon. Palliative home care is being arranged. Legal counsel must also ensure that Chris and Martha have their affairs in order. Insurance covers very little of these expenses.

Suffice it to say, the bills and debts have increased faster than the family can keep up with them. We have agreed that it is time to turn to our community on behalf of Chris' children and daughter-in-laws. We have decided that it is time to ask for help for the man who has so selflessly shown up for his own community. It is our turn to show up for Chris.

If you would like to assist with their financial burden, ANY donation through GoFundMe would be greatly appreciated. All funds raised will go directly to Chris’ monthly medication bills, van payments, entire home transformation, palliative care costs, and the family’s mental health counseling. So many of you have already shown up and continue to show up for us. On behalf of the Sigmon family, we appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time. It is a comfort to know that we are not alone.

If you would like to follow Chris’ journey, please go to his CaringBridge site, where Martha has been keeping everyone updated through journal entries.

Go to www.CaringBridge.org and search for chrissigmonsjourney. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity. May God bless you for your kindness.