ELRYIA, Ohio — The Elyria community came together Wednesday night to help a 38-year-old mother who has ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The nervous system disease weakens muscles and impacts physical function. And while treatment can help, it’s can be cured.
“They told her to go home—from what we understand—to go home and live her best life with her children and her family,” says Jackie Elsleger, a resident.
To help the Brown family, Korin Adkins and Elsleger organized a caravan of people to bring gifts to Brown’s three boys and 2-year-old daughter.
“When we heard about Gina’s story, we contacted one another simultaneously and said, ‘We have to do something.’ And so we came over and met with them and asked what their wishes were,” said Adkins, a resident. “They said they didn’t want anything, and they are very humble.”
Besides the gifts, Brown was also given a nurse’s diploma from Lorain County Community College through a virtual phone ceremony.
“Gina was a nursing student, and when she was diagnosed with ALS, she would be a nurse today if not fallen ill. So we got the diploma and the pin and ceremony over Zoom with LCCC. Mayor Whitfield was here,” said Adkins.
Because of the disease, Gina can no longer talk, so she uses a computer to speak for her. When asked about how she feels about the support for her family, she replied “overwhelmed” and that she’s thankful. She didn’t need to the computer to even say it — her smile said it all.
Gina’s family also said they are thankful for the support.
“It helps out a lot. The kids are happy to get Christmas in September,” said Mario Brown.
