Help Nita with her battle with ALS

Hi, my name is Nita Aldridge and I was diagnosed with ALS in 2017. ​Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive and fatal disease, attacking neurons that control voluntary movement. These neurons die over time. The result is the gradual loss of muscle movement, speech, swallowing, and eventually, breathing. I am physicaly disabled and require assistance in everything I do. ALS has wiped out everything my husband and I have worked for over the past 45 years including our retirement and savings. My husband has had to retire to be my caregiver. Our only income is our social security and my husbands VA disability. Although Medicare and Medicaid takes care of a lot of my medical expenses there are a lot of expenses not covered. We had to finance a used mobility van at a cost of $38,000.00 to transport me. I am unable to use a traditional shower and commode and we need to remodel our existing bathroom. The modifications to the bathroom could run as much as $25,000.00. We were told the equipment necessary for me to access the bathroom starts at $1,500.00.

 

Insurance and Medicare will not pay for any unconventional tests and medications that may help me. Only conventional medical treatment is covered. Everything else is out of pocket. Insurance will not cover long term physical therapy even though it has shown it helps ALS patients with functionality and pain relief. It took almost 4 years of misery, 9 doctors and 3 hospitals to be diagnosed with ALS. I even had one neurologist tell me there was nothing wrong with me and that I was just clumsy. The Act for ALS Bill was passed into law 12/23/2021 which allows all ALS patients to be eligible to participate in phase 3 trial studies of new treatments. However, it does not cover lodging or travel to and from the facilities across the USA required to participate.

 

This help would mean so much to me both mentally and physically. These funds will be used towards the expenses incurred by this disease and improving my quality of life through this trying time. My faith helps me overcome all obstacles in my life. Any help provided would be greatly appreciated, including prayers. Thank you for your support. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13.