Support Don Dysart's battle with ALS

In November of 2019, my brother-in-law, Donald Dysart, was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease). ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. The average life span from onset to death is 2-5 years. 

This disease is all about loss. Don's symptoms began with slurred speech and has since progressed to a complete loss of his ability to speak and eat. He has lost almost complete use of his arms and hands. His legs are beginning to weaken. He cannot hold his head up without a brace. He requires a constant companion of devices designed to make him more comfortable and able to communicate. This motor neuron loss will continue until all breath is lost. ALS eventually causes complete paralysis and death, usually from respiratory failure. 

In addition to the physical losses above, there are the emotional/mental losses. When Donald was diagnosed, he was a strong, healthy, hard-working, independent husband and father. He has a wife, Pamela, and two children, Leslie and John, who are ages 2 and 4. 

Then there are the financial losses. The financial cost to families of persons with ALS is exceedingly high. It is estimated that in the advanced stages, care can cost an average of $200,000 a year. Patients' and relatives' entire savings are quickly depleted because of the extraordinary cost involved in the care of ALS patients. Don has been unable to work for over a year now. He has incurred many of the expenses that come with ALS. Loss of income, medical bills, medications, assistive equipment, home modifications, caregiver costs, etc. Even after insurance and help from charitable organizations, the constant need for more money is always there.  

Not only do we wish for some of this financial burden to be removed from his family, but he also carries the enormous burden of wanting to make sure his wife and children are not left behind with a mountain of debt along with the costs that are incurred after death. This man's once strong shoulders are carrying such a heavy load. When the time comes, we want him to know that when he leaves this world, his family will be okay. We want him to know that they will have less financial burden as they rebuild their lives without him. 

Don is such a great person. He's a craftsman, a problem-solver, a protector of the environment, a son, a brother, a friend, a husband and a father. His greatest pleasure in life, besides raising his children, is helping other people. 

We understand that times are very tough for many people right now, especially with the pandemic. If you can afford to give even $5, it would be so much appreciated. However, if you cannot, we hope you'll share this GoFundMe with others who may be able to help. We are forever grateful for anything you can do to help this wonderful man and his family.