Support Carly's Fight Against ALS

Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,

At just 34 years old, Carly has been diagnosed with bulbar-onset Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease), a particularly aggressive form of this relentless disease. Bulbar-onset means that her symptoms began with her speech and ability to eat and drink, rather than limb-onset, which impacts the use of arms and legs.

ALS has swiftly encroached upon Carly's life. In August of 2023, she began to have sporadic issues with speech that made simple conversation difficult and her speech hard to understand. She also began coughing and choking more frequently during regular meals. These issues have gone from sporadic to constant. After various tests and procedures, including MRIs, EMGs, and a muscle biopsy, she was referred to the Mayo Clinic. The amazing team at the Neurology department of the Mayo was able to confirm on March 18th that this was ALS. ALS is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. These nerve cells, called motor neurons, gradually degenerate and die, leading to muscle weakness, twitching, and eventually paralysis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for ALS, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and providing support to affected individuals and their families.

Carly is a vibrant soul who is filled with laughter and love. She finds joy in caring for her beloved cats - Ozzy, Hoho, and Kit-Kat (who passed away in May 2020). When she isn't at home with them, she loves seeing live music, trying new food and doing karaoke with friends. ALS has made it difficult to enjoy these things as she used to. For 7 years, she worked with UnderCurrentMPLS to document local music in the Twin Cities and through that, she was introduced to so much creativity and a community that she loves very dearly. Due to her illness, she is now living with and being cared for by her family in northern Minnesota.

The financial burden of managing ALS is significant. From medical expenses to specialized equipment and home modifications, the costs can quickly become overwhelming. That's why we're turning to you, our community, for help.

Your generous donations will directly support Carly's ongoing medical needs, including access to cutting-edge treatments, therapies, and assistive devices that can enhance her quality of life. Your contributions will enable her to make necessary adjustments to her home environment, ensuring her safety and comfort as her condition progresses. They will also help to cover travel costs to and from the Mayo.

But beyond financial assistance, your support offers something even more precious: hope. It tells Carly that she is not alone in this fight, that she has a vast network of caring individuals rallying behind her, lifting her up with love and encouragement every step of the way. Together, we can make a difference in Carly's life and help her face ALS with strength, grace, and hope. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to easing Carly's burden and providing her with the resources she needs to live her life to the fullest, despite this formidable challenge.