Help Hope Live for Mica Walker-ONeil

Family and friends of Mica Walker-ONeil are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.Mica has chosen to fundraise for 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.For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.Thank you for your supportThis is my story… In late April, after months of tests and treatments, I was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and ultimately paralysis. As motor neurons die, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control muscle movement, affecting activities such as movement, speaking, eating and breathing. The exact cause of ALS is largely unknown, though both genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. There is currently no cure, and the diagnosis is fatal. Medical treatment, from ALS clinics, focuses on monitoring the progression of the disease and providing resources and supports that are needed throughout the progression. There are also two medications that are currently FDA approved to help slow the progression that are generally prescribed.While I am relatively early in my diagnosis, I am experiencing generalized weakness in my muscles and some loss of function in my fine and gross motor skills. Despite the limited treatments from modern medicine, I have found, through many hours of research and meeting with other PALS(People with ALS), that there are alternative options that have helped to slow or stop the progression and in some cases people have even regained lost functioning.There is a list of medically documented cases of ALS reversals (see Dr. Richard Bedlack/alsuntangled.com and/or healingals.org). These are PALS that have stopped the progression of the disease and regained function that they had lost. ALL of these PALS utilized alternative/holistic/natural forms of healing and treatment. I am working now with a functional medicine doctor and a naturopathic doctor to incorporate alternative treatments into my healing protocol.I have also recently been connected to a new treatment facility in Canada created by a neuroscientist who has studied neurodegenerative diseases for 30 years. He has created a specific protocol that focuses on stopping the progression, restoring, repairing and rehabilitating the whole body. In its short time in existence, this program has proven successful for the PALS that he has treated there in his 18 bed facility. I have had 2 consults with a member of his team. I was told that on average his protocol stops the progression of the disease within the first 3 weeks. His program consists of a 3 month stay at the facility to immerse yourself into his protocol and learn to continue it once you leave. They work with you remotely the fourth month and ongoing as needed. While costly my hope is to be able travel to Canada and receive this specialized treatment protocol. If you find yourself moved to support my healing journey in anyway, I would be most grateful.No matter what organization, doctor or clinic I speak to they all say one thing….you need a support system to navigate this disease. I have been beyond blessed with the outpouring of love and support in so many ways from family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers. It has been an overwhelming experience in a good way and my heart is filled with love and gratitude for all!With love and kindness, Mica