Terry Overby organized by Ashley Overby

My name is Ashley Overby, and my dad Terry has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, a type of motor neuron disease. It's also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS affects motor neurons - nerves that control your voluntary muscles, which you use for actions like chewing, talking and moving your arms and legs. ALS is progressive, meaning that the symptoms get worse over time. If you have ALS, your muscles begin to atrophy or waste away and weaken, making it difficult to walk, talk, swallow and eventually breathe. Most people with ALS die of respiratory failure when their lungs can't get enough oxygen to the blood. I am starting this GoFundMe page to help my dad. He is a loving, caring father, brother, and friend. He enjoys being in the outdoors, fishing, camping, four-wheeling, and spending time with his loved ones. Over the years, my dad was a dedicated employee to his company, and because of his advancements, many people benefited. Since he has been diagnosed with ALS the disease has progressed rapidly. He has been significantly affected on the upper half of his body and some of the things he struggles with are speaking, eating and using his hands to do normal things like brush his teeth and use a fork or knife. He also is suffering from muscle atrophy, causing him to have less coordination and back pain, leaving him unable to do many daily tasks.

Since his diagnosis, he has worked as long as possible but has now taken early retirement from his career and is on disability. While helpful, these benefits will not cover what is necessary in the coming months. I am trying to raise funds now to help with his present and future medical expenses. Any money donated will help pay for costly medications, specialized medical/therapy devices, doctor visits and procedures, and surgeries. One of the essential devices needed is for voice communication. He is already having trouble speaking and will soon be reliant on expensive equipment to be able to communicate with me or anyone around him. Another priority is his ALS medication, which he must be on and is very costly. Anything that you can donate to help is greatly appreciated by myself and my dad. Thank you!