The unimaginable has happened to one of our own here in the Southern Lehigh Community. A person that is known by many and loved by all, Katie Maloney❤.

Over the past year, Katie has been having issues with walking and a few falls. What was thought to originally be her hips, turned out to be much more. She fell going down the stairs in August 2023 and was admitted to the hospital with imaging and an exam that was consistent with cervical spinal myelopathy. She underwent extensive surgery for cervical compression of her spinal cord, laminectomy and a fusion from her C3-C6. After a few months following her surgery, she was progressing in some areas but was also noted to have regressed in others. She was showing significant hand weakness, atrophy in arms, and muscle twitching in her legs and arms.

After extensive testing to rule out all other possible diseases and conditions, her neurologist confirmed that her symptoms were most consistent with ALS and she was diagnosed on January 16, 2024 just two days before her 45th birthday. ALS is a progressive nervous system disease. The nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord end up deteriorating and dying, which causes a lack of communication with the muscles. They unfortunately never regenerate. ALS- three letters that can change a person’s life instantly. A diagnosis that inevitably will take everything away from Katie. A disease that is incurable and sadly terminal.

I can count on one hand the heroes that I have met in my lifetime. Katie is certainly one of my biggest heroes. This prognosis does not and will not define her. She is writing her own story. It is not the strength of her body that counts but rather the spirit and fight that comes from within her. I have watched her through all of this. I have seen her smile through the worst and shine brightly through unimaginable darkness. Her will to fight with all of her might is something extraordinary to witness. And her determination to live and create memories for and with her beautiful children and family is something she deserves.

Katie is always the first to give to everyone and help in anyway she can. It is our turn to give back to her and her three children, Jack, Abbie and Brendan. Showering them with support, love, prayers and also kindness now more than ever. Katie is no longer able to work and has been out of work since August. With her mobility issues, there are immediate accessibility needs in her home. Creating a home that allows Katie to move around easily and safely is a top priority. This week she had a stairlift put in to help with access to be able to go upstairs to take a shower. She is having a bathroom renovation to make it handicap accessible. Another upcoming item will be a better equipped wheelchair that will allow Katie to be more independent. These are just a few items with more to come as the disease unfortunately will progress. All of these items come with costs and your donation will help to lighten the financial load.

Time is the greatest gift right now. Being able to take adventures and create memories with her children while she can is a top priority. We would love to shower her with the ability to “just say yes” when they want to do something or go somewhere. That has become Katie’s motto and one that your generosity will certainly go towards helping make wishes come true and fill all of their buckets.

If you have gotten this far, I thank you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading her story and wanting to make a difference in this unexpected chapter of life that has been written for her. She does not want anything from anyone because that is who she is. But she deserves everything and more! Our community and her village is a mighty one. I know that first hand personally when tragedy strikes, a village surrounds you in the time of need. Let’s show Katie that we will rally around her and for her and her kids. We will continue to raise awareness, go to every run/walk and event that helps to fund a cure for ALS. A cure that she deserves but most likely will not see in her lifetime. We will start the ice bucket challenge all over again. We as her village will be with her every step that she can’t take as she tackles the unimaginable. She is not alone.

Thank you for supporting our ALS United Walk Fundraiser! United against ALS, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS. Our team is committed to raising money to support people in our local community with ALS and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure. Please consider joining our team in the ALS United Walk or choose a team member from the list and donate to our cause. 

 

Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries. 

That’s why we’re participating in the ALS United Walk. To bring hope. To raise awareness. To provide resources and services to families free of charge. Will you join us? 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.

 

ALS can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to provide help and hope today!