Man with ALS raises $29K on website

MIDDLETOWN – A man diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease three years ago raised more than $29,000 through the “gofundme” website as 2015 wound to a close.
David P. Leys Jr. has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS. On the weekend of Dec. 19 he launched the fund at www.gofundme.com/daveleys and in less than 48 hours had raised nearly $10,000.
The site provides a video following a day in Leys’ life, and conveys his story in his own words, which were typed out with his eyes on a specially equipped computer that allows him to communicate.
“I wasn’t really high on this ‘gofundme’ idea but after reading his letter and watching the video and now seeing the immediate results, I can really see this taking off!” said his brother, Paul A. Leys.
“Remember the ice bucket challenge from two summers ago?” Paul Leys continues. “Well, this is putting a face and a real person to that challenge. Almost all of that money went to research. Research isn’t helping David right now – he needs care, and lots of it.”
With help from Newport community fundraisers over the past three years, as much as $60,000 has been raised to purchase special wheelchairs, beds and a van.
Dave Leys is aiming for his gofundme site to “go viral.”
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/daveleys or make checks payable to: Friends of Dave Leys Jr. and mail them to 37 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 02840 ATTN: Paul A. Leys.

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