My Brother and Sister In Law with ALS need help!

[kandj5199]

My name is Kristen. My brother, 36 and sister in law with als, 35, have been dealing with the struggles of ALS for 7 years. I am just reaching out looking for some help with them. My brother is at the end of his ropes and does not know what to do at this point. He has talked about leaving, running away and suicide. I am so afraid! My sister in law is wheelchair bound, not able to speak nor take care of herself at all. He has some support but not enough to do it all. He says he feels like he is on house arrest and that he feels he is going backward in life. He gave up his occupation, his home and all his friends in that area to move back to where she grew up thinking they would have more help there, but now they have less help! They live 2 hours from me and I only can do weekends.

Does anyone know of any voluteers or support groups in the Keene NH area?

Help!

Kris

 

[rose]

Kris,

I"m sorry for your family's troubles. Try contacting Stu Millheiser and his guardian angels organization. Although on the west coast, he might have someone in his network that can assist.
http://alsguardianangels.com/index.html

Also, have the local MDA and ALSA been contacted for help?

the best of luck to your and your family,

 

[hopingforthebest]

Just don't get it!

I will personally pray for your brother and sister-in-law.

Cannot imagine not helping anyone in their situation. Go to a local Christian church and ask for the pastor. Tell him how much your brother needs help and how he is even considering suicide.

No one could turn their back on this couple.

Please update us and I know my prayers will be answered for them. I know it.


Patty

 

[kelly]

This may sound crazy...but I went to Keene State College..maybe contact some of the sorority and fraternitys..they might not help with care for your sister.-in-law,but help with house projects, shopping..or kid care. I know that they are always looking for community service projects. Just a thought...I do not have any connections at this point. Just know that it really is a great community. KR

 

[SMillheiser]

Please call me.

Kristen,

Please call me at: C)949-233-3045 O)949-488-9894

Stu ALSGuardianAngels.com

 

[vmd]

I would certainly take the thoughts of suicide seriously. If you can call a priest/pastor to inquiry about what to do, that would help. I would also call a national suicide hotline (1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-SUICIDE).

Thank you Stu, for all that you do.

 

[SMillheiser]

Kristen sent me a very troubling email with her phone numbers. I've tried calling her numerous times with no answer. I've left my phone #'s with no return call. I could give the hotline her number... but would like to make contact first. Any one have any thoughts?

 

[rose]

Stu, she may have put additional emergency contact information in when she signed up for this forum, if so, Al or Cindy would be able to access it. Its not a requirement to join though, so it could have been omitted. It is heart wrenching, isn't it!

 

[CindyM]

I will try to reach Kris by her private email. Looks like we live in the same region so I can help her access local resources.

Kris, if you are reading this, take a visit to the Share the Care website. Your brother does not have to go at this alone, and you can pick up some tips on how to help from afar.

http://www.sharethecare.org/

 

[SMillheiser]

Cindy,

I've arranged for a specialist (Marybeth Geiss) to work on options for her brother. Kristen does not seem to be returning her calls.

Stu

 

[hopingforthebest]

"who is this angel Stu"?

Stu

You are an angel in their midst, when you help these people with crisis problems etc. dealing with this horrible disease.

Grateful tonight for someone like you on our side. Hey, if we are grateful.....imagine what God thinks of you sir!

Some of us get to pray for one another and that is wonderful, we need prayer warriors.

You seem to be an answer to prayer and that is awesome!


Patty & George

 

[kandj5199]

Sorry...if you have been looking for me!

I am sorry that you all have been looking for me. I tried calling Stu at the two numbers I had but there was no answer. Stu I left you a message, I hope I called the right number.

My family is sticking together through this. My brother got a counselor and said that it is helping some. He had to put his dog, after 14 years, down the other day. This did not help the situation!

I want to thank everyone that has kept us all in their prayers. The certainly work! I wish he would talk to my pastor. He does not seem open to it so I am not pushing it on him. I don't want to make you all think that I am a bible thumper, but I certainly feel that if he opened himself up to the Lord and ask him for help,God would take the weight off his shoulders. God is just waiting for him to ask. My sister in law has been saved. I have no concerns for her, but he just pushes Christ away. He is so angry!

If anyone has any ideas on how to get these two some volunteers or something please let us know. I am not looking for them to have to spend any money. They have given it all away already. There has got to be someone out there in that area that has a heart.

Thank you all again for thinking of us. I hope I didn't give you a scare. He is ok right now and asking and seeking help.

My Sincere Thanks,

Kris

 

[SMillheiser]

I'm here if you need help

Kris,

No one is picking up at the number you left. I've tried many times and asked for a more accessible number. The religious part is beyond my area of competence, as I don't seem to be able to reach God either and 411 said he was unlisted.

HOWEVER, I have spoken to the next best thing in MaryBeth Geiss who is otherwise known as THE ALS NURSE. She can figure things out for your brother and relieve some of the terrible stress he is suffering with. You have my numbers. I'm here whenever you feel I can help.

Stu

 

[rose]

Stu, you're such a sweetie

 

[kandj5199]

Thank you so much Stu. I will be in contact with Mary Beth. I received her phone call the other day. I thank you and everyone out there. You guys are wonderful.

Kris