Susie's "ALS" Fight

“Susie's ALS Fight”

Hello, my name is Denice. I am the younger sister to Susie. She has been my best friend and hero my entire life. I would do anything for her. Just as everyone reading this, we have all been through many wonderful times in our lives as well as challenges and struggles. Well, today, my biggest challenge is to do everything in my power to save my big sister's life. In July of 2021, she began having issues with her speech, balance, strength in her arms, legs and hands, along with other unexplainable changes to her body.

On January 9th, 2023, she heard those three letters no one would ever dream or imagine hearing. ALS. (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. The average lifespan for those with ALS is 2-5 years from the onset of symptoms. There is currently no cure. The day she was given her diagnosis, it changed her and our family’s lives forever. With one sentence. “You have ALS”.

Although she refuses sympathy, she is realistic in regards to this disease and refuses to give up without a fight! Her eye is on the ultimate prize. Although rare, her plan is to become an ALS reversal!

I’d like to share with all of you, the beauty that makes my sister Susie so amazing. To know her is to love her. She is a kind, giving, hard working, and intelligent woman. Salt of the earth, a gentle soul. A dedicated friend. Family is everything to her. She raised two wonderful, intelligent, empathetic children. She is the type of person who believes in helping those less fortunate, giving back, and making a positive impact on the world. She has always been extremely positive and is never without a smile. Outdoor activities are in her blood, with snowboarding as her favorite of all. She has faith that she will get back on the mountain again!!!

She is one tough cookie. The minute she started having difficulties 18 months ago, she immediately started weekly speech therapy, occupational therapy, any treatments to help fight the unexplainable issues she was going through. Doctors decided to put her on medications for ALS. She still held out hope that it was something else.

Although her speech had been severely affected and was having difficulty walking, she continued working full-time, until January 7th, 2023, just days before she was given the definitive, positive diagnosis. She has an incredible drive and fight within her and we are filled with hope that if anyone can reverse this disease, Susie can!

Since the disease has progressed, she is no longer able to work. For 29 years, she worked for the Hyatt Corporation, winning countless awards for exceptional service. Her love for her job, the company and the employees also helps her set that major goal to getting well. She still plans on enjoying a happy and healthy retirement from the job that she loves so much.

But, at the moment, her job has taken a backseat to getting well. ALS is a very expensive disease, costing patients an estimated $300,000 per year.

Over the past 18 months, Susie and our family have already felt the costs involved with ALS. Susie has been trying the usual path, traditional medical care and therapies, but it is not enough.

We are not going to lose hope or give up on our amazing Susie. We have added experimental and alternative treatments to her traditional medical treatments, which are not covered by insurance. We not only hope this helps Susie win her battle but also help others desperate to find a cure.

Susie is a giver but is not comfortable at all asking for help from others. But, in order to do everything in my power to save my sister, I’m not above reaching out for help. We have reached a point where we are unable to afford what it will take to get treatments that may save her life. Time is of the essence and for me, it is time to “do something” to help beyond what we have been doing to help her win “the prize”. Reversals with non-conventional treatments have been attained, no matter the small percentage. It is possible!!!

So, I’m asking for your help, no matter how small, to help us help her beat this insidious, unforgiving disease. All donations will go straight to Susie’s care. Whether it’s travel to receive stem cell treatments or travel to take part in clinical trials. For supplements her body is lacking or experimental drugs not approved by the FDA. They have proven to make a difference but are not covered by insurance.

It’s truly amazing when you find out how little health insurance covers when it comes to medications, equipment and care that is so desperately needed by ALS patients. Your donations will help Susie in so many ways. Both mentally and physically.

From the bottom of our hearts, any help for “Susie’s ALS Fight” is appreciated beyond words. Just like Susie, we all refuse to give up without a fight. Thank you for joining and supporting us in our fight!

Much love,

Denice, Susie and our entire family. ❤️