Swampscott ALS patient rapidly garners support

SWAMPSCOTT – Within 72 hours, Nicole Bolognese and her family raised $5,530 for the care of her mother Maureen who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) nearly a year ago.This figure represents 74 percent of the fundraiser’s total goal of $7,500.”The exposure in three days has been unbelievable,” said Bolognese.She explained that the campaign was brought to her attention last week by family friend Timothy Hurley as he had recently participated in a similar campaign in Texas.Bolognese explained that there are an array of things her mother needs which are not covered by insurance.A specialized up and down wheelchair seat, syringes to administer medication and various communication devices are not covered. Bolognese added that her mother has also been taking ReLiv, an advanced nutritional drink, for the past eight weeks which has helped alleviate the constant pain of ALS.”ALS is one of the most expensive diseases to keep a person alive,” she said.However, Bolognese explained that Maureen has been fortunate enough to be under the care of Dr. Robert Brown at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, known throughout the world for his bold advances against ALS.Bolognese explained that Brown has reached a pinnacle in his research. She said that once funding is available, Brown can begin human trials that could cure ALS.In the meantime, Bolognese said that her parents’ home has undergone a series of renovations such as widening doorways, lowering sinks and installing outside ramps for wheelchair accessibility.”It’s something that we thought we would never have to do,” she said.Originally from East Boston, Maureen, 71, has lived in Swampscott for 42 years with her husband Peppi.For 33 years, she touched the lives of young children as a kindergarten and first grade teacher in Winthrop, East Boston, Lynn, Swampscott and Manchester-by-the-Sea where her students knew her as Mrs. B.However, Bolognese explained that her mother was forced into early retirement in 2006 as she was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, a disease that has caused nerve malfunctions in her feet.Maureen still battles peripheral neuropathy in addition to ALS, something her daughter says is quite rare.However, Bolognese pointed out that her mother’s spirit and sense of humor are still very much alive.”She always has a positive attitude,” she said.In an effort to “keep the momentum going,” Bolognese said that the deacon at her family’s church had suggested having their own ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The event will be held on Aug. 29 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Swampscott.”They are looking for ice donors,” she said.Bolognese and her family will also be hosting a separate fundraiser on Nov. 8 at the Oceanview of Nahant.Maureen’s current fundraiser will remain online until Oct. 3. Anyone wishing to donate may do so at: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fundraiser-to-help-mrs-b-who-is-fighting-als#home.