MobilityWorks
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In 2019, Jude Mathews was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Jude–wife, mother, grandmother, composer, author, and educator–was told that ALS is rare and always fatal, marked by the gradual loss of the use of limbs and trunk, the ability to swallow and speak, and finally, the ability to breathe.
Jude retired due to her worsening symptoms, but she and her family are fighting. They constantly seek knowledge based on unusual cases of recovery from ALS. Jude has fought ALS by removing toxins, changing her diet, and targeting exercise, infusions, and supplements. She receives guidance from many sources, including nutritionists, pharmacologists, dentists, doctors, and physical therapists.
Updates (2)
December 16, 2020
Friends and Family, December 16, 2020
At the close of this strange year, we are reflecting on many things for which we’re grateful. Near the top of our list are the people who have contributed to our medical fund. Does it go without saying that our family could not have made it successfully through the year without your help? We need to say it!!! We are ever grateful.
Meanwhile, recently Jude has required trained help throughout her waking hours as she can no longer transfer herself into or out of bed to a commode or to her wheelchair. We have some hours covered by the state. However, we also must pay $1,700.00 out of pocket every month for a caregiver who is not covered by our American benefit system. Adding in the rental of a sit-to-stand machine (which helps Jude stand transfer safely) brings our cost for these two items ALONE to $24,000.00 per year. (This does not include foods, supplements, equipment, and doctors not covered by Medicare, all of which Jude needs to continue her fight against ALS.)
In the good news column, Jude is making what appears to be a very slow recovery from intractable ALS. In the past few months her breathing, swallowing, and speaking have all improved! The mainstream medical research community is only just beginning to recognize such reversals.
By the time we add our next update, we hope to see even more improvements in Jude’s health. Perhaps she’ll become the symbol of hope for a better new year for us all.
We love you and think about you all.
Sincerely, The Family of Jude Mathews
July 17, 2020
Dear Friends,
What a journey it’s been! Thanks to the generosity of all of you donors, we have already been able to purchase some items essential to my care and quality of life. A new dehumidifier has made the air more breathable in my bedroom. Special recording equipment has allowed me to begin voice banking, the process of recording in order to synthesize my voice for future use. I also plan to put these funds towards other things like supplements and physician visits not covered by Medicare. Due to my condition, and the need for social distancing, I rarely leave my home. But now, thanks to Help Hope Live donations, my family has begun planning more regular outings by renting a mobility van.
Other notable improvements in my daily living include:
-a state-of-the-art power wheelchair covered by Medicare
-significant homemaker hours for me and my husband, Shel, through the Department On Aging
-a regular meditation practice, which has helped me keep things perspective
The road ahead is long and winding, but you have certainly made my load lighter.
Gratefully,
Jude
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
November 22, 2020
I've eaten at least this amount of your toast and Nutella over the years
Kennan DAOUDI
November 3, 2020
J
Cynthia Farenga
October 9, 2020
Dear Jude, I am saddened to hear of your ALS diagnosis and I wish you all the best. I will always hold my memories of you and your family in my heart as long as I live. I thank you for all the grace and kindness you showed me so long ago. You are a fighter. A woman of so many strengths and talents. A teacher and a leader. You have the support of all who love you, holding you through the ups and downs of this troubling disease. Sending you love and light, Talitha
Talitha Green
July 27, 2020
I wish you all the best in this difficult journey. Marlene (targ brill)
marlene brill
