Mel's Bucket List and ALS Research Fund

Since we announced my ALS diagnosis many of our friends and family have asked how they can help us and some suggested we start a GoFundMe to raise money for some of our bucket list items.

There's a lot more, we had our whole lives ahead of us! We will truly appreciate any little bit that is donated! Thank you all for your love and support!

Love,

Mel and Kris

Here's the story!

On Thursday, February 10th, I was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. It's a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure for ALS, yet. My diagnosis was early in the disease progression so we are hopeful that means I will live longer with it than most. 

Right now I have weakness in my hands and arms, but eventually may lose my mobility, my ability to speak, eat, and breathe. I have faith that God will remain by my side through this. I have hope that God will deliver a cure to all suffering this disease one day, including me. Until then, we will be living life to the fullest for as long as I can, spending a lot of time with family, and checking off some items on my bucket list. We will do everything possible to slow it's progression and hopefully be blessed with a cure. 

Military Veterans are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with ALS. My illness is connected to my military service and my care will be fully covered by the VA. We are extremely thankful that we will be well supported and remain proud of my military service despite this diagnosis. My family have been amazing. We are warriors and we will not back down. ALS can kick rocks!