Sami Maukonen

Left Turn Into Twilight – Didn’t See This ComingAs some of you may know, In December of 2023, Sam was diagnosed with ALS/FTD. His father had passed from ALS years prior, so we knew it was a possibility.Through his Neurological team at Advent Health in Orlando, they did various scans and tests, but it was the genetic testing that finally gave us our answer. Sam tested positive for the C9orf72 familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Frontatemporal Dementia gene (ALS/FTD).We are hoping that with this fundraiser through the nonprofit Help Hope Live, we can get the items that we need for his care. A mobility van is TOP of our list, because this would 1000% change the quality of our life. Being that I’m handicapped too, we need a van for both his wheelchair, and my scooter. Otherwise we are really stuck at home.We have chosen to fundraise through Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors.Sam, is from Finland and is only 58 years old. He worked over 35 years in the power industry for Helsinki Energy, as an Instrumentation Controls Technician.Sam used to love to fish, working on computers, and doing anything mechanical. Now his left hand is too weak, and he struggles with simple daily tasks. He has fallen multiple times, and his bruises and scars show the trauma his body is experiencing. Mentally we have good days, and foggy ones. He speaks Finnglish to me now, and often doesn’t remember what things are called in either language.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.You don’t need to look too far to see that sometimes those closest to you have the greatest need.Charity begins at home. Thank you for your support!