Support Todd's Courageous Fight Against ALS

Skip Sgarlata is organizing this page on behalf of his son-in-law, Todd Mayette.

Help Us Stand Strong with Todd in His Battle Against ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

We are reaching out with heavy hearts but with hope and determination, organizing this GoFundMe for an incredible man—Todd—a devoted father, loving husband, caring grandfather, cherished friend, and a hardworking individual who has dedicated over three decades of his life to his job as Inventory Manager and Operations Manager at Raymour & Flanigan.

Todd and Heidi’s love story spans 24 remarkable years, having been married since September 18th, 2003. Their love and devotion to each other are truly inspiring, serving as a beacon of commitment and strength for all of us who know them. Together, they have raised two wonderful sons, Tyler & Connor. Family has always been at the center of their lives, and they have always prioritized their boys above all else.

Todd's journey has been one of courage and perseverance. It all started in October 2022, when Todd began experiencing pain in his right leg. At first, he thought nothing of it—after all, 31 years of heavy lifting and moving furniture could easily explain a sore leg. But as weeks passed, the pain grew worse. By January 2023, Todd was struggling with foot drop, tripping, and falling more frequently. Concerned, he sought help from an orthopedic doctor, who initially treated him with cortisone shots. When those provided no relief, Todd was referred to a neurologist.

Despite multiple visits and treatments, Todd’s condition continued to deteriorate. His legs became weaker, and he started using a cane, then an electric scooter, as walking became increasingly difficult. His life was changing rapidly. The man who had been so strong and active for so long was now falling frequently and even had to leave the job he loved so much.

After many months of confusion, misdiagnoses, and relentless advocacy by his wife Heidi, they finally found themselves at Massachusetts General Hospital in February 2024. After a grueling four-and-a-half-hour neurological exam, Todd and Heidi received the heartbreaking diagnosis: ALS—Lou Gehrig's disease. The news was devastating. Todd and Heidi held onto each other, their eyes filling with tears, as they absorbed the reality of what lay ahead. The doctors informed them that Todd was already in the middle stages of ALS. They tried various medications to slow the progression, but the disease has proven relentless. Eight months have passed since that diagnosis, and Todd’s condition continues to worsen. He can no longer move his legs, lift his arms, or even turn over in bed. His hands are losing their dexterity, and most recently, he has begun experiencing spasms in his throat and jaw, causing them to lock up.

When Todd’s illness forced him to leave the job he loved, Heidi was working at Albany Medical Center’s psychiatric department, where her incredible ability to calm patients in crisis was widely recognized. She loved her work, but in February 2024, she made the difficult decision to leave her job to care for Todd and their sons full-time. To help make ends meet, she began cleaning houses, all while continuing to put her family’s needs first. Todd's illness has declined and is progressing fast. Heidi has had to scale back on work to be more available for Todd's care. If you have ever met Todd and Heidi you know they would do anything to help others in need and it is their passion. When Heidi was working in the Mental Health field she received numerous letters from families thanking her for helping their loved ones. Todd would also be recognized as a strong leader and mentor at his job. Please help this family that has helped so many others in need.

But through it all, Todd’s spirit remains unbroken. His positive attitude and determination to fight this disease inspire everyone around him. He may be facing unimaginable challenges, but Todd is not fighting this battle alone. He has the unwavering love and support of his wife, Heidi, their two boys, and a strong network of family and friends. Together, we are "TODD Strong" and committed to standing by Todd every step of the way.

We humbly ask for your support in any way you can offer. Todd's care is now being managed closer to home at St. Peter's ALS Clinic, where he has found a compassionate and dedicated team. However, the costs of medical care, mobility aids, and daily living expenses are overwhelming. Your donations will help alleviate the financial burden on Todd and Heidi, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—spending precious time together and making lasting memories.

Heidi also wants to emphasize the importance of advocating for yourself and your loved ones when faced with any illness. Todd's voice was finally heard thanks to the incredible doctors at Mass General Hospital and St. Peter's ALS Clinic. Now, with your help, we can ensure that Todd continues to receive the best possible care and support.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your prayers, love, and support. Together, we can make a difference in Todd's fight against ALS.

With gratitude and hope,

Todd, Heidi, and the Entire Family & Friends Team