Help the Fitzpatrick family with Home Accessibility and Care as Bernard fights Bulbar ALS - The most aggressive form of the disease.

This fundraiser is a call to serve – a chance to work together for the common good and well-being of a vulnerable family.

Those who know Bernard are aware he champions his faith and has been there for friends, family, and even strangers – always welcoming and offering to help with most any task. He has always been the breadwinner for the family and tried to continue to work to keep his landscape maintenance business thriving. However, he lost his business because working became an impossible task. He has been falling, cannot walk without help, cannot speak (he is on a trilogy ventilator), excessively chokes, and cannot eat without a feeding tube. Life expectancy is 2-5 years as Bulbar ALS is the most aggressive form of the disease. After 2 years with the disease, it is becoming exceedingly difficult to maneuver the stairs inside and outside the house. With all the trials he has been facing, he still manages to have a sense of humor and never complains. There are many things that Social Security and insurance will not cover, and he is in need of medical equipment such as a power lift, a transport wheelchair, a fully electric hospital bed, a chair lift for stairs at his home, etc. A used van with a ramp is also needed so the family can get to medical appointments including treatment in Portland.

The family has used up all of their savings to pay medical bills, basic bills, and facilitate care. However, they recognize the long-term reality of ALS. They are in desperate need of medical equipment. Bernard is not be able to stand or walk without help, he has difficulty getting in or out of bed on his own, and difficulty using his hands and arms. Additionally, his wife is fighting chronic psoriatic arthritis, which makes it physically difficult as she continues to help him. Let us return Bernard's stewardship and his selfless commitment to helping others. Let us unite and return Bernard's generosity. Let us help with his family's financial dilemma. Let us help them make their home become physically accessible and provide equipment as Bernard fights to live his best possible life with Bulbar ALS.

No donations are too small…everything helps us reach our goal!