Our Battle With ALS

Nine days before her 35th birthday my wife Andrea was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is an incurable neurodegenerative disease that results in the progressive loss of motor neurons that control voluntary muscles, causing weakness, atrophy and eventually complete paralysis. Shortly after the birth of our son my wife began to lose strength and function in her right hand. After months of doctors’ visits and testing Andrea was given her diagnosis.

In the fall of 2002, I was deployed stateside, where I met my wife; we have been inseparable ever since. Married in 2005, we welcomed our first daughter Jordyn in 2007. She has grown into an amazing young woman and talented artist. In 2012 our second daughter arrived, Kennedy. She continues to cultivate a passion for music, dance, and gymnastics. And most recently we welcomed our son, Lewis, who was born only a year ago. He is learning to walk and loves to play with his family.

Growing up in a large family in Utah certainly left its mark on Andrea, she is completely committed to her family and friendly to anyone she meets. Always eager to jump in and help, whether to wash dishes at a family gathering or pulling weeds at a friend’s house, seeing a person in need and helping is just who she is. The second of four kids and the only girl, she has always looked out for her brothers and loves them dearly. Through her our children have learned how to be caring and compassionate, loving and honest. How to work hard and earn what they want, and to look after themselves as well as those around them. Andrea has always been there for us, morning noon and night. She has shown me true selflessness, always giving and asking little in return, I have never known a better person than her. These last months have given me an even greater appreciation of her role in our family, and I will forever be amazed by her enduring love, patience and kindness. There is simply too much good in her to put down into words, I could only wish for you to meet her, and experience how blessed all our lives have been.

We had hoped my wife would be able to return to her job after a period of maternity leave, but each day brings new limitations and challenges and she is no longer able to work, and many tasks around the home have become increasingly difficult. While I continue to work full time, we have been a family of five living on a single income for more than a year.

As the disease progresses, routine activities will become increasingly challenging and eventually impossible, requiring special equipment and services. Any contributions to our family’s medical and living expenses will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for taking the time to learn about our family and even more so for helping us get through this trying and immensely difficult time.