Orlando family impacted by ALS asks for support

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) - An Orlando family impacted by ALS is spreading awareness about the need, not only for research, but also assistance to families impacted by the incurable disease today who are being bankrupted by it.

"We tried to do it all by ourselves until we realized that the atrophy and the muscles were just deteriorating. What do we do now? Are we just going to sit back, and get busy dying? We're getting busy living," said Walter Briggs, a former NFL quarterback who dabbled in acting.

He is now a full-time caregiver for his wife, Debra. She was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, in September of 2012. Shortly thereafter, she left her position as a family case manager.

"It takes a lot out of her every day, every night to just survive," said Walter.

Debra founded Debra's Journey for Life Foundation, Inc. in December of 2013 with her husband.

"At the stage that I am, a lot of people are not even talking. A lot of people are on feeding tubes," said Debra.

So, she and her husband, who has since reached out to friends in football and acting, have been using their voices to spread awareness about the physical, emotional and financial impact of the debilitating, neurodegenerative disease.

"If I can be a voice to someone else's mother, father, sister, or brother that has Lou Gehrig's Disease, Debra's Journey For Life Foundation is going to lift them up, and let them know there is a source of help," said Walter.

"There is no selfishness to Debra at all. It involves her, but it's bigger than her," said Steve Pisarkiewicz, Debra's Journey For Life Foundation Board Chairman, who is also a former NFL player and leader of the local NFL player's association.

"The clock is running. Lets go," said Steve, about the couple's desire for public support so that they may travel abroad for a stem cell treatment. He also claims it is time to invest in finding treatments and a cure through research which is a top priority of the ALS Association that is behind last summer's ice bucket challenge.

See the original post:
Orlando family impacted by ALS asks for support