Join Us in Supporting April's Care Needs

Hello everyone,

My name is Bill Kerner, and I'm reaching out to you today for help that is deeply personal and urgent. My wife, April, was diagnosed with end-stage ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in December 2022. Our lives were turned upside down, and things became even more challenging when April required invasive ventilation starting in June 2023. With invasive ventilation April requires some one with her 24/7 due to life threatening emergencies that can arise. Because of this I cannot leave the house for any reason or even take a shower unless some one is with April. If nothing else can you please share our story?

The Need for Support

As April's sole caregiver, I juggle numerous responsibilities: taking care of our children, Ryker age 7, our twins Ava and Jax about to turn 6, maintaining our home, and keeping up with a full-time job. The demands are overwhelming, and I haven’t had a full 24 hours off since November 11th of last year. Insurance doesn't cover a home health aid. Despite reaching out to various organizations for assistance, the cost of in-home care remains prohibitively expensive, ranging from $40 to $150 per hour. Right now the help we have is $40 dollars an hour which comes out to 640 a week. Which is why we are asking so much for our goal. It would provide one year of care.

Our Current Situation

We have been fortunate to receive some help—since February, we've had a caregiver for 4 hours a day, 4 days a week. However, this support is set to end by the end August as our funds run out. We desperately need to continue this level of care for April, which will allow me to manage our other responsibilities and ensure April receives the quality care she needs.

How You Can Help

We are seeking to raise funds to hire a home health aide for April. Your donations will directly support:

• Continuing the current care schedule (4 hours a day, 4 days a week).

• Easing the financial burden of hiring professional caregivers.

• Providing me with the much-needed respite to maintain my own health and well-being.

Why This Matters

Caring for a loved one with ALS is a full-time job that requires patience, strength, and resources. Your support will not only ensure that April gets the care she needs but also help our family navigate these incredibly tough times.

Final Thoughts

I understand that times are difficult for many, but any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in our lives. If you can find it in your heart to donate, we would be eternally grateful. Your kindness and generosity will provide us with the hope and strength to continue this journey with a bit more ease.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you can provide.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Bill Kerner