As you may or may not have heard, John McClure was diagnosed with ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in December 2020. This devastating diagnosis was given to him just as he was about to join his wife in retirement. As you know, John is a brilliant, vibrant, talented, and strong-willed individual! There are no CAN’TS in his life…… only CAN DOS, it’s just finding out a way to do it. He has lived this motto for all of his 66 years of life so far. Many of you understood this motto “If there’s a will, there’s a way” as you have done life with him. He has made a tremendous impact in the lives of many as you all know. If you were able to read the ALS hyperlink above, you may have read that ALS likes to mess with mottos like this. ALS slowly shuts down the muscle systems of the body and eventually a person with ALS needs significant aid of machines to help their body function. ALS, however, does not affect the brain or the mind. Eventually, John will lose his ability to speak and even breathe on his own unless he has the aid of machines. Essentially, he will be trapped in his own body with his brilliant, creative mind but no way to move or express himself without the aid of machines.
Since November, John has already lost his ability to walk on his own and is losing his ability to lift his arms. Although his body is failing him, his mind and his will has not. Did you know that he is helping a group of teenagers right now launch a CubeSat into space on a NASA rocket? (No, joke… he is! If you want to know more, please contact him about it). Despite his body failing him, John’s will and his strength in the Lord has not. He is still and will continue to make a difference in this world until his dying breath. No matter what his body says, John knows if there is a will, there’s a way and he will stop at nothing to make an impact in this world. He has so much work still to do!
Recently, John and his family found out that the modifications to their home, the wheel chair accessible van they are trying to purchase and the future machines he will need to help his body live will cost on upwards of $150,000.00 and insurance has only paid for some of his medical care and his power wheelchair that he has now.
This is some heavy news for both he and his wife that just entered into retirement. ALS is a very expensive disease. Many of these cost have to be paid by the patient without insurance reimbursement. These costs go beyond retirement funds .This $150,000 and future costs beyond is only meeting the needs for John to live. We have set up this page in the hopes of raising funds to lift the burden of these financial needs so that John can keep making a difference in the lives of his friends and his family.
His friends and his family have chosen to fundraise with the organization Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the GIVE button. And please share John’s page on your social media platforms so others in your community know of fundraising efforts and may consider a donation.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
