His Story of Courage
On Tuesday, October 8, 2019, two days before his 38th birthday, Brian Foderaro received a devastating diagnosis: he was told that he has ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), a degenerative disorder that destroys the motor neurons that carry signals from the brain to the muscles. As muscles weaken, it becomes more difficult to perform daily tasks, walk, swallow, and breathe. Sadly, there is no cure and no effective treatments. Life expectancy is only two to five years.
This devastating news could make it easy for Brian to crumble beneath the weight of such a grim prognosis. But rather than surrendering to this disease, Brian is reacting courageously.
He immediately stated that his goal would be to thrive and fight his battle for longevity! His main inspiration is so that he can spend more years with his son, Logan, and his daughter, Elena.
Brian is determined to stay positive while trying to live with a continued purpose as productively and independently as possible. He is a fighter who is fully prepared to go wherever he needs to go and do whatever he needs to do for the opportunity to live longer. He has hope that the medical research being done today will result in a treatment that will slow down, stop, or reverse the progression of his condition.
Brian investigated and sought treatments that will give him the chance to aggressively fight this dreaded disease. As a result, Brian is participating in a phase 3 trial for an experimental stem cell treatment. Presently, the treatment is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can only be provided in research studies. The goal of this study is to determine if the treatment is effective in decreasing the rate of disease progression. Based on results from previous successful trials, it seems to offer hope to sufferers of ALS.
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It’s Brian’s hope that by participating in the trial, he will experience an improvement in his condition. Also, following the study, he hopes that the FDA will quickly approve the experimental treatment, allowing both him and other patients the chance to extend their lives long enough for a cure to be developed.
Participating in the trial, preparing for the future stages of the disease, and requiring extensive medical care undoubtedly will cause a hefty financial burden on Brian and his family. To participate in the study, Brian will be required to travel to the University of California, Irvine ALS Clinic 14 times over a 12-month period. There will be substantial costs associated with this travel in addition to still having to pay the mortgage and regular monthly bills. This is the reality that this family will have to deal with.
Brian will begin to feel overwhelmed by the substantial financial burden associated with his efforts to gain access to life-extending treatments. But his faith and spirit are bolstered by the statements of support that he is receiving from family members and friends. He is on the right path.
Now it’s up to us to make sure he can keep his focus on the path ahead and not on any financial burden. Let’s help make sure that money isn’t a deciding factor that prevents Brian from being able to receive the care and services that he is going to need — today and in the months and years ahead.
Please support Brian during his battle over ALS for longevity and a better quality of life. Logan and Elena will greatly appreciate any help you can give knowing that their father is receiving good care and the best possible shot at overcoming this cruel and terrible disease.
What is ALS
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a degenerative disorder that causes the death of neurons that control voluntary muscles, leading to paralysis of the entire body. Although symptoms most commonly develop between the ages of 55 and 75, the disease can strike at any age and men are slightly more likely than women to develop ALS. Sadly, there is no cure and no effective treatments. Life expectancy is only two to five years. However, about 10 percent of people with ALS survive for 10 or more years.
We greatly appreciate any amount you are able give in support of Brian and his family as they work through the challenges that lie ahead.
Brian will begin to feel overwhelmed by the substantial financial burden associated with his efforts to gain access to life-extending treatments. But his faith and spirit are bolstered by the statements of support that he is receiving from family members and friends. He is on the right path. Now it’s up to us to make sure he can keep his focus on the path ahead and not on any financial burden.
Check Donations
Donations in the form of a check may also be sent to the following address:
- Brian Foderaro
- P.O. Box 171
- Pawleys Island, SC 29585