Posted 9:46 pm Sunday, November 11, 2012
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Baskin family benefit walk for December 1
By DANNY MOGLE
dmogle@tylerpaper.com
The residents of Whitehouse are rallying around one of their own.
dmogle@tylerpaper.com
The residents of Whitehouse are rallying around one of their own.
In May of 2010 David Baskin was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. The strong and athletic Baskin began to experiencing strange muscle twitching. The twitching soon became worse — much worse.
A specialist in Houston diagnosed the problem. The news came as a shock.
Word of Da-vid’s condition quickly spread through the community where his wife, Keri, is a teacher and their two chldren attend school. Friends, colleagues, and even strangers responded with acts of kindness and compassion.
Friends helped remodel a room to accommodate David’s needs. Friends offered encouragement and prayers, lots of prayers.
David has lost much of the use of his muscles. His condition continues to worsen. He now needs continuous care.
Keri has been chronicling the family’s struggles in an online diary.
Here is an edited version of her Sept. 18 entry.
“Alright with a side of crazy. That’s been my response lately when people have asked how we’re doing. David continues to progress and he is in need of an overhead track system to help him transfer from place to place. We’re working on that, so until then, he’s been forced to depend on me and other family members to help lift him. That might be where the side of crazy comes into play. We’re making due but we are ready to have the track.
“Because of his muscles continuing to decline, he needs assistance with everything now so someone is here to stay with him during the day while the kids and I are at school.
“After much research this summer it was very discouraging to find out that there really is not a lot of help for ALS patients and David does not qualify for assisted daily living. Our government really depends on family members to take care of their loved ones. So relying on family members is where we felt God leading us. …
Word of Da-vid’s condition quickly spread through the community where his wife, Keri, is a teacher and their two chldren attend school. Friends, colleagues, and even strangers responded with acts of kindness and compassion.
Friends helped remodel a room to accommodate David’s needs. Friends offered encouragement and prayers, lots of prayers.
David has lost much of the use of his muscles. His condition continues to worsen. He now needs continuous care.
Keri has been chronicling the family’s struggles in an online diary.
Here is an edited version of her Sept. 18 entry.
“Alright with a side of crazy. That’s been my response lately when people have asked how we’re doing. David continues to progress and he is in need of an overhead track system to help him transfer from place to place. We’re working on that, so until then, he’s been forced to depend on me and other family members to help lift him. That might be where the side of crazy comes into play. We’re making due but we are ready to have the track.
“Because of his muscles continuing to decline, he needs assistance with everything now so someone is here to stay with him during the day while the kids and I are at school.
“After much research this summer it was very discouraging to find out that there really is not a lot of help for ALS patients and David does not qualify for assisted daily living. Our government really depends on family members to take care of their loved ones. So relying on family members is where we felt God leading us. …
“We love our family and friends so much and we wouldn’t be able to do this without them. Please pray for strength for family members and that we continue to trust in Him.”
As the disease progresses, David’s need for medical supplies and attention increase and the family’s medical expenses mount.
To help the Baskins, well wishers and Mission Tyler have organized the David’s Day Benefit Walk set from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 1 at Whitehouse Stadium. The fee to participate is $15. Organizers are also seeking sponsors who are willing to give at levels from $100 to $500.
The money — and the encouragement — will help this family.
For more information, check out the Facebook page David’s Day Benefit Walk for David and Keri Baskin.
Join Danny Mogle on the “In Touch With East Texas” radio show airing at 6:30 a.m. Saturdays on The Ranch KKUS 104.1 FM and KYKX 105.7 FM and 6:30 a.m. Sundays on Sunny 106.5 FM.
As the disease progresses, David’s need for medical supplies and attention increase and the family’s medical expenses mount.
To help the Baskins, well wishers and Mission Tyler have organized the David’s Day Benefit Walk set from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 1 at Whitehouse Stadium. The fee to participate is $15. Organizers are also seeking sponsors who are willing to give at levels from $100 to $500.
The money — and the encouragement — will help this family.
For more information, check out the Facebook page David’s Day Benefit Walk for David and Keri Baskin.
Join Danny Mogle on the “In Touch With East Texas” radio show airing at 6:30 a.m. Saturdays on The Ranch KKUS 104.1 FM and KYKX 105.7 FM and 6:30 a.m. Sundays on Sunny 106.5 FM.
