Fundraiser to help Dr. John Walker with ALS

Dear family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances of John,

In the summer of 2021, John and I fulfilled our dream of moving to Germany. We moved with our daughter, Rachel, intending to teach and perform as much as possible. We were fortunate to be welcomed by the musical community here in the beautiful town of Passau, in lower Bavaria.

However, months after we arrived John began experiencing weakness in his arms. It progressed quickly and in November 2021, he was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gherig's disease). It wasn't long before he couldn't play the piano anymore.

ALS is unpredictable, devastating, and fatal. And so far there isn't a cure. And quite suddenly, John is in need of many things to assist him in the home, as well as additional medical appointments. Insurance is fighting every claim and delaying as much as possible. But John needs help now, and we hope you will help. We understand that it might seem like we're asking a lot. But every donation will help with the following immediate needs:

-shower transfer chair (for help getting in and out of the shower)

-raised toilet seats with bidet

-stair lift (to get upstairs)

-power chair (electric wheelchair)

-electric hospital bed (to assist with getting out of bed)

-Apple Watch (for voice-activated communication and emergency help)

-part-time nursing (while I begin my new job)

-medical bills that aren't covered by insurance

We are working with insurance to get more bills covered in the future. In the meantime, we appreciate all help you can give!

John & Rachel, March 2023