Help Dan Kirk with ALS Medical Expenses

Hello, our names are Natalie and Jessica and we’re asking for your help to support our dad, Dan Kirk as he battles ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Our parents are facing enormous challenges while our dad courageously battles with the effects of this very difficult and expensive disease. We are asking for help to offset some of the financial burden. Equipment and medical cost mount up quickly. The ALS center has been a valuable resource for help and support but even with their assistance and insurance our parents have spent over $12,000 on doctor visits, medicine and equipment since the diagnosis in late May.

Our dad worked hard at TVA for 47 years to build up a retirement for our parents to live off of for their remaining years and that retirement is depleting quickly leaving them in a very difficult financial situation going forward.

Here is a breakdown of the purchases that must be made to simply function safely day to day:

-Customized orthotics for both feet.

-Customized motorized wheelchair. (Approx $8,000)

-Platform lift for the wheelchair and renovations to install it. (The layout and elevation of the house prevent the use of ramps) (Approx $10,000)

-Renting or purchasing a handicap van for transport. (Approx $4,000 a month)

-A specialized hospital bed prescribed by the doctor. (Cost unknown)

-Shower and bathroom renovation and equipment. (Approx $15,000)

-Machines for breathing and aiding in swallowing and choking prevention. (Cost unknown)

-Medications.

-Every day household equipment for functionality, safety and transport.

-Future medical equipment and services as things progress. 

The road to this diagnosis was long and difficult. Over the last few years our dad has battled multiple health issues starting with surgery for prostrate cancer in 2022. The relief we all felt after a successful surgery and a cancer free diagnosis was short lived. Before his prostate cancer surgery he began having difficulty with the function and use of his left leg and arm and the symptoms worsened after the surgery. Through arduous testing doctors found an arachnoid cyst on his spine. His neurosurgeon thought this was the cause of the loss of function on the left side of his body. Seven months after his prostatectomy he underwent spinal surgery to drain the cyst. After months of physical therapy and worsening symptoms he was then diagnosed with ALS.

Our Dad’s story

Our dad is a man of unyielding faith. His trust and belief in God has gotten him through every trial in his life and remains the source of hope and comfort through this difficult time. Even in the face of this diagnosis he is praying and believing for a miracle. Our mom, Francine is the love of his life and wife of 47 years. They both gave us an amazing childhood full of love, fun and lessons learned. He is a wonderful Papa to Jessica’s children Scarlet, Violet, Milo, and Oliver. Our dad has always been there for his family, friends and community. After a lifetime of supporting others he now finds himself in need of our support. 

Before ALS our father was a truly gifted singer and guitar player. He always found joy and comfort in singing and playing. His music was the soundtrack to our childhood and losing that has been devastating for him and for us. An engineer and true renaissance man, he loved taking care of his lawn, working on cars, building and fixing things and improving my parents home. He has lost the ability to do all of the things he loves because of the disease. The physical and emotional challenge is difficult enough but the added financial burden makes it even more difficult.

We as a family are trying to make life more comfortable and safe our dad. Please consider donating to help. Any amount you can contribute will make a significant difference. 

Thank you for your generosity and support and most importantly for your prayers. Additionally, sharing this GoFundMe with your social network will help us reach more people who can offer support. Together we can make a significant difference in our dad’s life and ensure he gets the best care possible.