Family & Friends, On November 3rd, 2024, our brother, James Arthur Gonzalez (Jimmy for those who know him best) was officially diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS might sound familiar to you from 2014’s wildly popular “ice bucket challenge”. But what exactly is ALS? ‘Amyotrophic’ comes from the Greek language. "A" means no. "Myo" refers to muscle, and "Trophic" means nourishment – "No muscle nourishment." When a muscle has no nourishment, it "atrophies" or wastes away. "Lateral" identifies the areas in a person's spinal cord where portions of the nerve cells that signal and control the muscles are located. As this area degenerates, it leads to scarring or hardening ("sclerosis") in the region. (Taken from the ALS Association website.) There is no cure for ALS. If you know Jimmy, then you understand what a cruel twist of fate this is. He was always one of the most active and vibrant people we have ever known. Ever since he was a child, he was a natural athlete – basketball, baseball, flag football – then as an adult, skiing, tennis, golf – you name it, he tried it, and usually excelled at it. Even his career as a food service manager kept him on his feet and constantly moving. Jimmy’s energetic and spirited personality will instantly fill the room. He is passionate about all things sports, especially Los Angeles teams – the Lakers, the Kings, the Dodgers, and most notably, UCLA. He is the most devoted Bruins fan you will ever meet. One of his favorite things to do is to watch Bruins Basketball in his beloved Pauley Pavilion. Jimmy has been battling this disease for over a year and a half now. ALS has already taken away his ability to walk and move his hands. And it is increasingly taking away his ability to laugh aloud, and to cheer wildly (and loudly!) for his Bruins. He already requires full-time care. And more devastatingly, as time passes, this disease will take away his ability to talk, eat, and ultimately breathe. ALS is arguably one of the most tragic and punishing diseases there is. Here are a few facts from the ALS Association: • ALS is a 100% fatal disease. • The cause of ALS is not known, and scientists do not yet know why ALS strikes some people and not others. • ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord and leads to complete paralysis. • 5,000+ people are diagnosed with ALS each year in the US. • The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2 – 5 years. • Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed, or someone passes away from ALS. • $250,000 is the estimated out-of-pocket cost of caring for a person with ALS. As you can see, ALS is an incredibly debilitating disease physically, emotionally, and financially. Being in the food service industry, Jimmy wasn’t able to work for most of 2024 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and his savings has since been depleted. And while Jimmy was working at the time of diagnosis, he has been on permanent disability since his diagnosis in 2024. He now receives a limited income through Social Security Disability Insurance, as well as Medicare/Medical insurance. But the medical and caregiving expenses have started to add up and he is stretched to pay for his basic living expenses on top of everything else. We, his siblings, are trying to help as much as possible, but it is difficult with such extreme expenses. We established this fund to assist Jimmy with his living expenses and medical expenses not covered by insurance. Our sister, Margie, is his primary caregiver. Not only is she exhausted physically, but she too has exhausted her savings on keeping the household afloat and is on a very limited income through social security. Jimmy is not one to ask for help, even when he is badly in need. Without a partner or children of his own to help out, it is with humble and open hearts that we are asking for your help – to help us help him. Please consider donating; any amount will help. Gifts will help cover costs and expenses resulting since Jimmy’s illness began and for the remaining time he has left with us. If you’re not able to donate, sharing this link with friends, and family, and on social media is also greatly appreciated. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Your selfless generosity is truly appreciated. ~Margie, Bobby & Monica
Artículos relacionados
