I know some of you are newer to Rivals and some may not even know the Mainboard exists but despite what a cesspool it can be at times, everyone always comes together for a great cause. There is a Notre Dame poster on there who was diagnosed with ALS. It's a horrible disease as you know and he has been documenting his battle on the board since he's been diagnosed, it's amazing how strong and inspirational he has been throughout. He has wife and 11yr old daughter that he will be ultimately leaving behind. As he body continues to fail him, there are things that need to be upgraded at the home etc. to care for him that insurance will not cover. I have texted with him off the board and he has truly changed my outlook on life. I was hoping that some here would want to help out, maybe donate what you planned on betting/winning on the Notre Dame game this one time. Below I have posted his last update from this morning, a link to the thread on his battle and a link to his gofundme. I donated again today, I think about the things he will miss out on with his daughter and it simply breaks my heart. Thank you
Just wanted to provide an update for those interested. I've had a rough couple weeks. All the neck pain I've been experiencing is because the disease has been active in those vertebrae that affect the bulbar region. My ability to speak has declined greatly in the last 10 days. I basically talk out of my nose now and can be very difficult to understand. Breathing is also more labored and i am beginning to have nasel regurgitation when drinking. Eating had become an absolute chore. Currently working on getting scheduled to have a feeding tube inserted. I knew all these things were going to happen but it sucks when they happen so quickly. Was hoping for a slower progression but unfortunately we don't always get what we hope for.
I'm still able to do all my health care my myself but it's becoming very difficult. Showers are particularly exhausting. I'm grateful I'm still able to stand and walk short distances if I'm holding onto something. My arms and hands are slowly becoming paralyzed but still have use of them though with much lower ability. Muscles in my shoulders are about shot so picking things up with any weight is impossible. It's such a vicious disease and I know it's just killing me "slowly".
All that said, I continue to walk through it one day at a time and try to be strong for my family. It's just as hard on them as it is me. I just take pleasure in the small things that happen daily that I never gave a second thought to before. This disease has taught me how ungrateful I was in the past. With the recent progression i have definitely began to think more about death. Im not afraid to die, but the thought of leaving all my loved ones behind saddens me deeply. Especially my 11 year old daughter. Anyway, thanks again to everyone that has continued to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I will continue to update as long as possible. It's a good outlet for me and think it helps shed some light on a disease that is usually lived in darkness.
The thread on the Mainboard where you can read all up on his situation
And a link to his gofundme which is also in the thread on the mainboard.
www.gofundme.com
Just wanted to provide an update for those interested. I've had a rough couple weeks. All the neck pain I've been experiencing is because the disease has been active in those vertebrae that affect the bulbar region. My ability to speak has declined greatly in the last 10 days. I basically talk out of my nose now and can be very difficult to understand. Breathing is also more labored and i am beginning to have nasel regurgitation when drinking. Eating had become an absolute chore. Currently working on getting scheduled to have a feeding tube inserted. I knew all these things were going to happen but it sucks when they happen so quickly. Was hoping for a slower progression but unfortunately we don't always get what we hope for.
I'm still able to do all my health care my myself but it's becoming very difficult. Showers are particularly exhausting. I'm grateful I'm still able to stand and walk short distances if I'm holding onto something. My arms and hands are slowly becoming paralyzed but still have use of them though with much lower ability. Muscles in my shoulders are about shot so picking things up with any weight is impossible. It's such a vicious disease and I know it's just killing me "slowly".
All that said, I continue to walk through it one day at a time and try to be strong for my family. It's just as hard on them as it is me. I just take pleasure in the small things that happen daily that I never gave a second thought to before. This disease has taught me how ungrateful I was in the past. With the recent progression i have definitely began to think more about death. Im not afraid to die, but the thought of leaving all my loved ones behind saddens me deeply. Especially my 11 year old daughter. Anyway, thanks again to everyone that has continued to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I will continue to update as long as possible. It's a good outlet for me and think it helps shed some light on a disease that is usually lived in darkness.
The thread on the Mainboard where you can read all up on his situation
And a link to his gofundme which is also in the thread on the mainboard.
Donate to Supporting Ben West, organized by Katie West
Hi there. I'm Katie West, and I'm fundraising for one of my favorite people in the world, my big brothe… Katie West needs your support for Supporting Ben West
