Join Mike Orsi's Battle Against ALS

As many of you may know, our friend Mike Orsi has been diagnosed with ALS. Mike has been experiencing physical symptoms for almost two years that were originally thought to be as a result of Lymes Disease. After almost 8 months of pursuing aggressive antibiotic treatment meant to neutralize and eradicate the Lymes the sad news no one wanted to initially believe became a reality - the symptoms were a result of ALS and the disease is progressing rapidly. The symptoms and physical challenges are too severe for Mike to continue working as a Special Education Teacher in the Keystone Oaks School District and the financial burdens are building for Mike and his wife, Summer. To help care for Mike, Summer has had to leave her job outside of the home and focus her attention on caring not just for Mike's needs but for those of Luca and Mike's father, Ray, who just turned 91.

Their oldest child, Michael, recently graduated from Westminster College. Their daughter, Mia, is entering her Junior Year at the University of Pittsburgh. Their youngest child, Luca, is entering 3rd grade this fall at Ave Maria Academy/St. Bernard school in Mt. Lebanon. In addition to the normal expenses associated with having a child in college and one in elementary school the Orsi's are now encountering costs associated with Mike's care.

This is a difficult story that we finally have Mike's permission to share with those who we know love him and admire him. Mike's pride, tenacious will to win, and his stubbornness had him insisting just last week that he needed to return to work to support his family, even though he currently is unable to speak and is experiencing severe neurological weakness which makes walking and performing the tasks of daily living very difficult. The muscles that allow us to speak are closely associated with swallowing and the weakness of these muscles has made it difficult for Mike to eat. I have spoken with so many who have asked "what can we do?" The only thing any of us who love Mike can now do is pray for him and his family and share any financial support we can on their behalf. Unfortunately, the needs are real and immediate. I am boldly asking that you share as generously as you are able.

We are planning a celebratory fundraiser for the fall when we can bring together all of us from the many areas of Mike's life to be with him and support him in this fight. Our goal is to continue to raise money for Mike that help not just with the short term financial burden brought on by this horrible disease but to help address the long term needs that will remain (such as Mia and Luca's educations). But for now, this is all we can do - share what resources we are able to help the Orsi's in the immediate next phase of the fight. I thank you in advance for your kind consideration on behalf of our friend whom we all love so dearly.