Staying Strong, Staying Home – ALS
PromptCare’s team helps patient with ALS stay in the place she feels safest—her home—with family by her side
At just 18 years old, McKenzi’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare and devastating neurodegenerative disorder. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS progressively damages motor neurons, weakening the connection between the brain and muscles, which will lead to paralysis in later stages. Over time, everyday activities—speaking, swallowing, and even breathing—become increasingly difficult, and eventually impossible. For McKenzi, who was still in high school at the time, the diagnosis meant confronting a new reality few her age would ever have to face.
ALS affects nearly every aspect of McKenzi’s life. Now 19, she underwent tracheostomy surgery, which allows her to breathe with the support of a ventilator. She is now ventilator-dependent 24 hours a day. The disease has also taken away her ability to eat by mouth, requiring her to receive nutrition through a feeding tube. Despite these immense challenges, her spirit remains strong. She communicates through gestures—often giving a cheerful thumbs-up to PromptCare’s Gina Miller, RT, who plays a key role in her respiratory care. McKenzi’s kindness and humor shine through, offering her loved ones hope and connection on even the hardest days.
Managing ALS requires an intricate balance of care, and McKenzi’s family has found invaluable support through PromptCare. Gina provides regular in-home visits, overseeing her respiratory therapy and ensuring her needs are met with precision. Although ALS places constant demands on her body, McKenzi continues to show remarkable resilience. She is also part of a clinical trial, offering hope for improved symptom management and potential breakthroughs in ALS research. Despite limited treatment options, the encouragement McKenzi receives from PromptCare brings her and her family a sense of stability.
McKenzi’s fight against ALS is strengthened by her large, close-knit family, with her sister, Megan, stepping up as McKenzi’s nurse. While her medical training equips her to manage the complexities of the disease, it’s Megan’s close connection with her younger sister that makes the care so meaningful. Together with their parents and six other siblings, the entire family is a village of caretakers, providing a solid foundation to help McKenzi navigate daily challenges. “It’s organized chaos,” says Megan. “But we’re all in this together.”
“McKenzi has an outlook on life I wish everyone could have, including myself. She’s very strong.”
– Megan, whose sister McKenzi was diagnosed with ALS through genetic blood testing when she was 18.
Also central to her care is the dedicated team of professionals at PromptCare, who have become essential to her life. As her respiratory therapist, Gina is a key figure in managing McKenzi’s complex ventilator needs and keeping her comfortable. “It makes me feel good to know I’m helping to make McKenzi’s life a little easier with this diagnosis,” Gina shares. Working behind the scenes is Christine Keating, RRT, who serves as McKenzi’s account executive, ensuring everything runs smoothly and the family’s concerns are heard. “We focus on what matters most—helping families remain home with their loved ones,” she says.
The compassionate services from PromptCare have turned an overwhelming situation into something more manageable. From securing insurance approvals to coordinating care on weekends and holidays, the team ensures McKenzi’s needs are properly handled. “They’ve gone the extra mile with education and support,” says Megan. “They welcomed us in bubble wrap. And for that we’re so grateful and appreciative.” For a family facing the daily demands of ALS, having a dependable healthcare team has brought peace of mind. It’s more than medical care—it’s a partnership that allows McKenzi to stay in the comfort of home, surrounded by those who love her most.
For McKenzi, the support she receives is about more than survival—it’s about living with dignity and strength every day. Despite the physical toll of ALS, her spirit continues to shine. “It’s the best feeling to see a family go from feeling scared and uncertain to being at home and succeeding,” says Christine. Through the collaboration of her family and PromptCare, McKenzi has found a path forward, one that focuses on care, compassion, and making the most of each moment.
McKenzi’s journey with ALS is undeniably challenging, but she approaches each day with strength and determination. “It’s such a cruel disease,” says Megan. “But when I see how strong McKenzi is, it inspires me.” With the steady support of her family, the expert service from her PromptCare team, and her firm resolve, McKenzi has found a way to live beyond the limits of ALS. Her story is one of love, family, and the persistence to hold on to hope, even in the most difficult moments.
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