Support Bob Pierson in his fight against ALS

Hi, my name is Karen Staats. In July of 2022, my fiancé Bob Pierson learned that he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a condition most known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. At first, it seemed like a dream, no… more like a nightmare and truly unimaginable. ALS is a progressive disease where muscle tissue in the body slowly dies and causes increasing paralysis over time. Ultimately, ALS patients lose the ability to swallow, breathe and move. The person’s mind, however, usually remains unaffected so he is acutely aware of almost everything, you eventually become a prisoner in your own body. ALS is always fatal, and patients typically live for 3 to 5 years after diagnosis. There currently is no cure for ALS.

As of now, Bob is having trouble speaking, cannot walk on his own, and cannot be left alone due to the risk of falling. When he does fall, he is unable to help himself up. I am unable to lift him myself. He is unable to type and dial a phone. He is unable to perform any income-producing work and is very limited in his real estate activities.

Bob and I truly believe GOD brought us together four years ago for a reason and we have been inseparable since. We finally found our true love and are praying every day asking GOD for a miracle. I have been taking care of him, always staying with him. I was able to perform my work duties by taking him along with me, but it is becoming more and more difficult to get him in and out of the car by myself.

All of this is made worse by the fact that our rental apartment will no longer be an option in October 2023. It is a small section of a private home that will be used by the landlord’s family going forward. Not only are rentals rates extremely high in Florida, but it can also be very difficult to find handicapped accessing housing. Bob is on social security which prevents him from being able to qualify for disability.

This GoFundMe will go towards household costs like food and rent, medical care, pharmaceutical needs, mobility and communication devices, medications not covered by insurance, and in-home nursing and personal support.

A little bit more about Bob; he grew up in Baton Rouge, LA. He graduated from Baton Rouge High School and LSU. He has always loved music and was a lead singer in a rock band during high school and college. He first got his real estate license in 1974 and has practiced real estate in LA, GA, and FL. Bob is a father of four, his son Chris, and daughters Lindsey, Sarah and Caroline, who he loves each one very much. Also, he is a grandfather to two, Jagger and Andie. The one thing I hear over and over again from his family, colleagues, and friends old and new is that Bob has always been extremely optimistic about everything in life, even when things were difficult. His strong Christian faith is the cornerstone of his life.

We are praying that someone will find it in their heart to help Bob endure this terrible disease in as comfortable a manner as possible. Please if nothing else, keep us in your prayers.

Thank you and God Bless