Rallying for Roger: Support During ALS

ALS, also know as Lou Gehrig's disease, has ravaged the Parsons family over the last three decades. The fatal disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which causes lack of muscle control due to nerve breakdown, stole the lives of three of our uncles already and is now tearing down our dad.

Known as Mr. Fix It and always with a camera in hand, when Roger wasn't working on the job he was working at home, building, tinkering, and creating. His passion for technology always had him testing out the latest gadget. Roger also loves animals; growing up our house often felt like a zoo with dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rodents, and fish around. We've spent countless hours as a family playing dice, cards, and board games. Dad's always been a fierce competitor. Now his pain, discomfort, and struggles to communicate make him unable to find joy in even these simple pleasures.

Roger's onset was shockingly quick. Last spring he was healthy, feeding the chickens, opening the swimming pool, and awaiting his first grandchild. This winter, he is markedly changed by the disease. ALS has taken his strength, health, voice, comfort, and so much more.

We are the two daughters of Roger and Beth, who spent a majority of their lives making sure we never went without and had every opportunity to achieve. Even though the budget was almost always tight, the time and attention they gave us was something we've come to realize is a rare gift in parenting. Family dinners, investments in our interests, always showing up to support our extra-curricular activities, and rewarding and celebrating our educational achievements gave us a strong foundation.

Now it's our turn to give back and support them. Our family is not one to ask for handouts. Our gift to our parents is to humble ourselves and ask for assistance from anyone who would like to help out. This diagnosis and disease brings with it innumerable prescriptions and doctors visits, plus meetings and phone calls, care coordination and transportation, the responsibility of which all fall to Roger’s caregiver, his wife and our mom, Beth.

With your help, we can bring some peace of mind and relief to ease Roger and Beth’s financial struggle during this difficult time. Any amount, no matter how big or small, is greatly appreciated. Even if you can’t donate at this time, please share and help us reach out to find support for our parents!