Tina's Survival Fund

Tina Cascio is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hi, I'm Tina, and I've been diagnosed with ALS at the age of 38.

If you're unfamiliar, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a rare neurological disorder that affects the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement. Over time, these cells degenerate, causing muscles to weaken and atrophy, leading to a loss of motor function. There's no cure, and the disease's progression is relentless.

My journey with ALS has been deeply influenced by my family's history. My mother's battle with the disease in 2009 taught us about its devastating impact, as she courageously fought until 2018. Little did I know that ALS would touch my life too.

After experiencing odd muscle spasms and fasciculations, I was initially dismissive, attributing them to stress and exhaustion. In August 2019, as a home health nurse, I faced the harsh reality—I struggled with once effortless tasks. The journey to a diagnosis was a grueling two-year ordeal, with misdiagnoses and uncertainty along the way.

In December 2020, I heard the diagnosis that changed my life. Even though the news was crushing, my resolve to fight was unwavering.

Facing ALS has forced me to leave my beloved career as a Registered Nurse. The physical toll was insurmountable, and now I find myself struggling financially. The costs of living with ALS are overwhelming, and my savings have been depleted. Social security support falls short, and medical bills pile up.

I'm determined to be part of the 10% who survive over a decade with ALS, just like my mother did. But I can't do it alone. Your support can lift the weight of financial burden off my shoulders. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference. If you're unable to contribute, sharing my story can help raise awareness about ALS.

The funds raised will be used to cover essential expenses that social security doesn't cover, home modifications for sustained independence, and medical bills that insurance won't cover.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your generosity and support mean the world to me. Let's make a difference together.