Home renovations often become necessary following a Lou Gehrig's disease diagnosis. As part of the Live Like Lou Foundation's commitment to meaningfully support families affected by ALS, we proudly offer one-time grants to complete projects in and around the home to ensure safety, independence, and/or quality of life.
We are proud to have awarded $50,000 in home improvement grants in 2023. These funds are made possible by the generosity of our donors and friends. Read on to learn more about how the funds were used.
Chris was diagnosed with ALS in 2022 and needed funding to update the shag carpet the house had to something smoother. He upgraded to linoleum, allowing his mother (who also serves as his caregiver) to maneuver the Hoyer lift around the house more easily.
Kevin, diagnosed with ALS in 2023, needed a full bathroom remodel. With funds from Live Like Lou, Kevin added safety bars, a shower bench, and a toilet safety frame to the bathroom. However, most notably, they were able to have a ramp installed that allows for easier access in and out of the home.
"We are so grateful to the Live Like Lou Foundation for making this all possible and making life safer. Thank you so much for your help!
With Appreciation,
Kevin"
Angelina, who is living with ALS, applied for funding to make the backyard easier to navigate and allow her the freedom to walk her dog and hang out with friends. Her family has also had Phi Delta Theta undergraduates volunteer through Live Like Lou's Connect and Serve program and come and help with yard work. The impact of the grant is best heard from Angelina:
“My backyard is where I spend the majority of my free time, but we had bumpy pavers and brambles and tree roots in the grass from the driveway to the deck. I was limited to the old, very small deck because the pavers meant I could slip out of my wheelchair. Now, there's a smooth concrete pathway so I can host other friends with disabilities, which I couldn't do in the past. I can take my dog for a walk when we're out playing in the backyard. In fact, this entrance has replaced the makeshift ramp I use in the garage to exit and enter the house. It's empowering to remove the barriers that inhibit my life with ALS. Something as simple as being able to walk my dog with ease not only brings me joy but it also restores some of my freedom and autonomy. I truly appreciate everything Live Like Lou has done to improve my quality of life.“
Marlee's husband, Matt, was diagnosed with ALS in July 2023, and the need to adapt their home happened very quickly. They added a roll-in shower to their bathroom to provide ease and safety to their routine.
“It has been a rapid progression and we are constantly having to modify and adapt at a moment's notice with almost all modifications coming with a hefty price tag. We cannot thank the foundation enough for your kindness and generosity towards our family as we try to navigate this challenging path. Thank you!“
Gwendolyn's husband, Eddie, was diagnosed with ALS in 2022 and it became challenging to help him get in and out of bed. With the funds from the home improvement grant, they purchased an adjustable mattress to allow Eddie to rest more comfortably and make transition out of bed easier.
These grants have benefited our family tremendously. Our journey continues to be challenging but we are so thankful for foundations like yours and everyday we get a chance to spend time together.
Sarah is a caregiver for her Mother-in-Law, Tammy, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022. ALS impacts the body's muscles and ability to move, which makes showering in a traditional stall or tub challenging and dangerous. The family had Tammy's bathroom updated with a shower that she can either sit down in or roll a wheelchair into along with a roll under sink and more space for maneuvering.
Justin was diagnosed with ALS in 2020 and has been a long-time friend of Live Like Lou through the Connect and Serve program. Justin and his family were matched with the University of West Georgia Phi Delta Theta chapter in 2022. The members have visited to help with projects around the house ever since. Justin uses his power wheelchair most of the time and recently got an eye gaze machine since he has lost the use of his arms and hands. To help with day to day tasks Justin utilized the grant funding to upgrade and add electrical outlets for the addition of smart devices to help him control lights, the thermostat, doors, fans, etc. All of these items are able to be controlled through his eye gaze machine.
Dorreen lives outside of New Orleans and, after her ALS diagnosis in 2023 knew that she was going to have to make some changes to her house which is elevated due to hurricanes. Currently, the only way to access her home is with stairs and knowing that ALS will eventually take away her ability to walk she has started the process to add an elevator. An elevator will allow her the ability to leave her home for ALS Clinic appointments and visit with family and friends.
Kaitlyn was diagnosed with ALS in 2023 and knew that there would be a time she would no longer be able to access all of her home. She requested funds to add a lift to get to the second floor. It was installed in time to get a little bit of holiday spirit added!
Staying in one's home after being diagnosed with ALS requires making adaptions for safety, ease, and creating normalcy. Kathrine was diagnosed in 2021 and can no longer use the stairs that get her in and out of her home since it is on a hill. Kathrine installed two metal ramps; she uses the shorter one for the front yard and the second for the sidewalk/driveway area. The ramps allow her the ability to get to appointments and interact with her community which keeps her spirits high.
We used the money to complete a large ramp in our garage and buy a hitch hauler for my wheelchair and scooter. You made our days brighter and safer!
Read about the impact of the home improvement grant and Live Like Lou's Connect and Serve program from Katie.
My name is Katie I am 40 years old. I was diagnosed with ALS right before my 39th birthday. I have two girls ages 14 and 10. My parents are in their 70s and fortunately don’t live too far from me. Since my diagnosis, my parents come over every day and help care for me. They have dropped their lives and are here caring for me and my girls. With the diagnosis comes lots of changes that have to be made, including those to the home. My mom and dad have done so many of those things for me and quite honestly are exhausted. So when a friend from church told me about the Live Like Lou organization, I immediately filled out the request for help. I wanted to be able to help my parents not have to do some of the things I needed done. I was thrilled when I found out we were a match with a volunteer. My dad honestly had a hard time not doing what I filled out for help. He was able to build the ramps on my deck that I needed to have an exit way from my home and so that I could still enjoy my deck. The grant money was able to help us purchase the supplies we needed to build the ramps and fix my deck in a few places, and then repaint the deck. Then we had a lovely family come to paint the deck. They were very kind and courteous, and did a wonderful job on the deck revamp! I want to thank the volunteers that made this possible, and the Live Like Lou foundation for creating this wonderful organization, and helping people in the most difficult time of their lives.
Kim was diagnosed with ALS in 2020 and was matched with the University of Georgia Phi Delta Theta chapter through Live Like Lou's Connect and Serve program. For 18 months, the chapter and advisor Matthew Smith have helped keep her yard looking nice and her driveway clear. The state of her deck and ramp made it unsafe to leave the house for doctor visits, and food and medicinal supply deliveries. Because of the grant and the community's generosity in supporting Kim's ramp improvements, she can now safely get in and out of her home.
Kathy is the primary caregiver for her mom, Virginia, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022. They updated the shower with a walk in tub and upgraded to an ADA compliant toilet with a bidet feature. Kathy sent Live Like Lou a sweet note with pictures!
Asia was diagnosed with ALS when she was in her mid-20's. She was looking to create a backyard sanctuary to enjoy time outdoors that was easy for her wheelchair to navigate. Around the same time of receiving the grant she was matched with Chris Loschiavo with Live Like Lou's Connect and Serve program. Chris partnered with other volunteers and Asia's sisters and got started putting down gravel and pavers to create a beautiful firepit area.
Live Like Lou's home improvement grant application will open next year for registered Live Like Lou families, with applications accepted and funds awarded on a rolling basis. Please email us at info@livelikelou.org for more information.
Interested in more inspiration? Check out the completed projects from our 2022 home improvement grants.
