Support Durell in his battle with ALS

Update from Durell 1/8/25

January 8th 2024. As I sat in my car after lunch, I received an unexpected phone call from my neurologist and he said the three letters I had feared the most… ALS. For months, we had discussed other possible illnesses. For months, I had hoped that the muscle wasting would stop and I would return back to my normal, active lifestyle. But now, I was face to face with my darkest fears.

One year later, I am still here. I am defying the odds and expectations of this devastating illness. I have released those fears that controlled me when I received the diagnosis. Ive grown stronger in my faith and spirituality. I am continuing to live my life in God’s plan.

Thank you so much to everyone that has supported this GoFundMe. It has truly helped my family and I with the financial support we need during this most difficult time. I made the decision to stop working when I received the diagnosis. It was important to me to spend as much time as possible with family and friends. Please stay tuned for more updates in 2025 as I share more hope, love,and light.

- Durell

Hi my name is Heather and I am raising funds for my good friend and former colleague, Durell, who was recently diagnosed with ALS in January of 2024.

I first met Durell several years ago when we both held the same position in General Mills. We instantly connected over our mutual love for Disney. Asking for help is incredibly hard for Durell, but because he doesn't want to leave his family in debt, I have created this fundraiser to help lessen the financial burden this disease creates.

This disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is known to most people know as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and, ultimately, a shortened life expectancy. ALS robs a person of their independence and ability to move, speak, swallow and eventually breathe, while the mind stays fully intact.

Though we may never know exactly how Durell acquired this disease, it may be from his time in the Air Force, due to hazardous exposure from his duties as a firefighter. People who’ve served in the military are at a greater risk of being diagnosed with ALS and dying from the disease than those with no history of military service (https://www.als.org/navigating-als/military-veterans/ALS-in-the-Military). Additionally, recent studies have shown that firefighters are also more at risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (https://alsnewstoday.com/social-clips/do-firefighters-have-an-increased-risk-of-developing-als/)

About Durell

First and foremost, Durell is husband to Tia and Dad to 2 young boys, Paxton and Ryland. This will be a difficult time for all as they navigate what lies ahead.

Durell was raised in Hampton, Virginia. He is a US Air Force Veteran who served as an active duty firefighter for 7 years with several tours oversees in his time there.

After discharge, he pursued a career as a Chef and worked at several restaurants including Walt Disney World and Busch Gardens Williamsburg. He continued to expand his career in Foodservice with roles in training and sales at General Mills and currently works at House-Autry Mills.

In his time at General Mills, he was involved in leading and helping others as the former President of their Convenience & Foodservice Black Champions Network and active member of their Asian Leadership Network.

Prior to his diagnosis, Durell was physically active and an avid runner who loved to participate in races with friends and family. When symptoms of weakness started appearing in everyday tasks, Durell knew something was wrong, which eventually led to his recent diagnosis.

As this diagnosis is terminal, we are raising funds for Durell’s end of life care, treatment and medical expenses as well financial assistance for his wife and 2 children.