Help Mike Fight ALS

Mike Lynch is a 34 year old, that was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) on January 2nd, 2024. ALS is a rare degenerative and eventually fatal neurological disease, killing the nerves and blocking proteins from building and maintaining muscles. This disease also eventually effects the ability to breathe, speak and swallow. This disease typically effects those who are in their 60's or older, so it is even rarer for someone this young to receives such a diagnosis. It has been a whirlwind for Mike and his family since the diagnosis.

Mike lives with his partner Ashley who cares for him and is a father figure to her two children, ages 15 and 11, who love him dearly. His parents also make it a point to visit him regularly to spend quality time together. Mike felt that he has finally found his family that he always wanted and was very happy.

Prior to the diagnosis, Mike went to Syracuse to study broadcasting in hopes to land his dream career of working for a professional sports team. Mike started his broadcasting journey in Portland, OR in 2011 as a Producer and host with 1080 The Fan, sports radio. He developed a large fan base within the Portland community, during his 11 years working with 1080 The Fan.

Until October 2022 when he finally got the opportunity to achieve his dream job, with the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers as the Radio Network Host. Mike loved getting to be in that lively environment, and to get to work along side some great talent in the industry. He got the opportunity to complete the '22-'23 season and was ecstatic for what the future with the Blazers would be like, as he had many ideas he wanted to bring to the future seasons. He received great feedback, and was welcomed with open arms to return for the following seasons and extend his contract.

At the start of pre-season in October of '23, Mike noticed a big change in his ability to project his voice, say words clearly on a consistent basis and was having a hard time walking around the court. Often falling when trying to walk up the steps to his station or in the parking garage when there was more precipitation on the ground, which was unusual for him. Mike was known for being very active, going on 1-5 mile runs multiple times a week and was very agile. This is when he knew it was time to seek help.

Mike and Ashley went on a journey of visiting multiple types of doctors, from an ENT, and Podiatrist to a Physiatrist and multiple Neurologists, to seek the answer to what may be happening. Mike began to get worse as time went on, until November '23 he had to take a leave of absence due to having a difficult time driving, balancing while walking and speaking at the ability he needed to for the radio.

After a series of visiting multiple different Neurologists, we were warned that Mike may have a Motor Neuron Disease leading into the holidays, until we were able to be referred to the ALS clinic. We made the best out of the holidays, spent time together as a family and had a joyous time. All the while, Mike's health continued to decline and doing regular daily tasks became more difficult. We finally made it to our appointment with the ALS clinic on January 2nd, 2024 and after a few short tests the diagnosis of ALS, our worst nightmare, was confirmed.

Since the diagnosis, Mike had to leave his career with the Blazers, and has been struggling to do the things that he really enjoyed prior to his diagnosis. He has been rushed through a series of doctor appointments with the ALS specialists, as well as started his treatment that is meant to slow the progress and prolong life by up to one year longer. Aid equipment has been having to be installed in the house including a soon to be stairlift, lift assist and movement assistance devices are now needing to be used regularly. We are also awaiting for our acceptance into a medical trial in hopes of finding a cure.

This has been a big struggle for Mike to cope with, and a lot for him to wrap his head around. His life feels as though it has halted, though he has the love of his partner and his family surrounding him, he feels as though he is on pause. Regular date nights, monthly outings to the zoo, school activities, walks out on the trails or beach and more has been difficult to manage or achieve. Mike has been having a hard time seeing his body, that was once strong and trustworthy, now weak and not corresponding.

Mike will be needing continuous care, and elevated treatment over the coming months and hopefully years to come. He will eventually need a plethora of different types of equipment (custom fitted motorized wheelchair, speech assist devices, breathing aids, etc.) that will allow him independence, mobility and to be able to do things that he enjoys.

Mike needs our support more now than ever. If you are able and willing, any help is appreciated. All donations will go to medical bills, equipment, modifications to the home, future doctor visit costs, and prescriptions. Prayers, and positive thoughts are also very welcome. Please be cautious in Mikes time of need, if you know him and want to reach out, it may take him a little time to respond as he is working through his own emotions and how overwhelming this all has been. He is taking one day at a time, and one big step at this time, such as allowing us to post this GoFundMe on his behalf.