The Metz Family Cause
James Metz was diagnosed with front temporal dementia (FTD) in July 2009 at the age of 35 and motor neuron disease (MND)/ ALS (or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in August 2009. He has a wife, Rachelle, and two daughters, ages 3 and 6. FTD is a cruel and debilitating disease, which robs a person of their apathy, emotions, understanding, and memory. The average life expectancy for a person with FTD is 8 years. ALS will decrease this to three to five years. MND/ALS , or Lou Gehrig’s disease as most Americans call it, is also fatal; only five percent of its victims will live ten years. It is starting to rob Jim of his coordination and dexterity. He is aging considerably in a short time. The odds are one in a million to have two of these horrible diseases, especially in such a young person. Jim is a stay at home dad. His wife has had to work two to three jobs to support them. Their luck turned worse after she lost one of her part time jobs due to budget cuts. The family needs to move in with their parents to have additional care for Jim and their children. But the home is in need of repairs in order to sell. Additional funds will be needed in order for Jim to enter adult daycare while Rachelle acquires additional work. Any help they receive is greatly needed and appreciated.
