ALS Took My Dad’s Strength—Let’s Fight Back Together
Every week on this blog, I share life with you—whether it’s recipes, sports mom hacks, or reflections from the dugout. But today, I want to share something really personal that’s been on my heart.
My dad has ALS.
And while we do our best to care for him with love and humor, the truth is—it’s hard.
ALS is cruel. It slowly strips away a person’s ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe. My dad was officially diagnosed about three years ago, though we started noticing changes well before that. He was always a strong, independent guy who loved to cook—barbecuing, smoking meats, baking sourdough. Cooking was his therapy. Today, he can no longer do that. He’s in a wheelchair now, and every day brings a new layer of loss.
It’s hard to watch someone you love go through something so relentless. And it’s been equally hard for him to accept help. He’s a proud man. Asking for assistance—especially for the most personal, intimate things—goes against his nature. But this disease leaves no room for pride.
Right now, my mom is his full-time caregiver. She does everything for him, day and night. We’re doing our best to help, but the truth is, we’re nearing a place where we’ll need outside help. That means hiring a caregiver, which is a financial strain on our family—one that we’re putting off as long as we can. And emotionally? That’s another mountain to climb. Letting a stranger in to help with such vulnerable tasks is not easy for anyone.
🧠 Why I’m Sharing This Now
I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can turn this pain into purpose. I keep asking myself: Why is ALS still a death sentence? Why do we see so many fundraisers and awareness campaigns for cancer and heart disease—but not for ALS?
Where’s the momentum? Where’s the hope?
I want to do something—anything—to help raise money for ALS research and caregiver support. But here’s the thing…
I don’t know where to start.
💡 I Want to Do Something—But What?
I’m not a professional fundraiser. The last time I raised money for anything, I was a Girl Scout selling cookies door to door. So I’m starting from square one.
Here are a few ideas I’ve thought about (and I’d love your thoughts!):
- Creating a donation-based digital product, like printables or a recipe book
- Organizing a virtual 5K challenge
- Donating a percentage of my blog or Etsy shop earnings
- Partnering with an organization that helps families like ours
But whatever I do, I want it to be meaningful. I want it to honor my dad and help families like mine. I don’t want to just slap a donation button on a page and call it a day. I want to build something that lasts—and maybe even inspires others to do the same.
🙋 I Need Your Help—Let’s Crowdsource Kindness
So I’m turning to you—my amazing community.
- Have you ever raised funds for a cause that’s dear to you? What worked?
- Do you know of organizations that partner with creators or match donations?
- Would you support a campaign if I launched one?
- Have you used platforms like GoFundMe, GiveButter, or something else you recommend?
Please comment below, I’m all ears. If you’ve walked this path before, or have ideas bubbling up as you read this—share them. Let’s crowdsource kindness and creativity.
ALS doesn’t get the attention it deserves. But maybe together, we can change that.
From the bottom of my heart—thank you.
💛 Lauren
The Family Dugout
