Helping Armond to his next chapter

About Armond

Hello, my name is Armond, and I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. I've been an actor and massage therapist residing in Los Angeles for the past decade.

The Journey to Diagnosis

About a year ago, I began experiencing significant strength loss and cramping in my left hand. While it was easy to dismiss these symptoms as signs of aging or post-COVID fatigue, my doctor insisted on referring me to a hand surgeon and orthopedic specialist. By February of this year, I lost the use of three fingers on my left hand, leading to a string of additional medical consultations. My condition began affecting my work as I started experiencing shooting pains in my right arm while massaging clients. Finally, after months of uncertainty, I was diagnosed with ALS.

Financial Strain and Moving Forward

The diagnosis has forced me to cut back on my massage practice, and as of August, it ceased to support me financially. Since then, I have been relying on credit and what little savings I had left. Navigating life while undergoing numerous medical appointments has made it increasingly difficult to sustain myself.

While waiting for disability approval—which could take up to 4-6 months—I plan to move in with my mom. My parents have been incredibly supportive, ensuring that I can manage my day-to-day life. They respect my wish to remain in Los Angeles to wrap up this chapter of my life and arrange a proper farewell. I also intend to keep my medical team here as long as feasible, or at least until I find suitable alternatives.

Moving Costs Breakdown

To facilitate this transition, I will incur the following estimated pre-tax moving costs:

U-Haul Container Boxes (30-day rental): $335

LA Movers: $550

Shipping from LA to Kingman, AZ: $1,250

Arizona Movers (Kingman U-Haul to Bullhead City): $825

Gasoline Costs for 3 round-trip visits to my neurologist: $600

How You Can Help

I am fortunate to still feel healthy, engaging in as much physical activity as my strength allows. Although medications tire me out, I'm committed to living my life to the fullest. If you're unable to contribute financially, your hugs, prayers, well wishes, and words of kindness are equally valuable to me. Every form of support makes a difference in this challenging time.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and for any support you can offer.