Ila Bumagin, Junior – ASSISTANT EDITOR
Ms. Andrea West has been a French teacher at MHS since 2002. Soon after she started working there, Dr. Jennifer Chavez, a Latin teacher, became her classroom neighbor. They became co-workers and friends.
Dr. Chavez was diagnosed with ALS in April of 2022. ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a disease that causes progressive weakness and atrophy of muscles. As of right now, there is no cure, only medications to slow the disease’s progress or reduce pain.
Dr. Chavez recognized and experienced that ALS research and care is severely underfunded. Ms. West said, “She was thinking about how she wants to do her part in helping to fund research, and to help other people with her condition.” Because she is unable to fundraise herself, Ms. West has taken up the cause. We talked with Ms. West about what kind of care is available for ALS patients on the North Shore. She said, “Dr. Chavez has used the group called Compassionate Care ALS. It’s a nonprofit organization that has been very helpful to her. They send volunteers to help fix your home so it is more accessible as the disease progresses.” In addition, Team Gleason is a foundation that focuses on bringing better technology and equipment to patients. Gleason was a football player that suffered from ALS.
Dr. Chavez is currently at Mass General Hospital, where she is receiving good care. However, it was clear that research and programs for ALS are underfunded. Ms. West explained what inspired her to help Ms. Chavez. They are friends, and Ms. West wanted to help in any way she could – in this case, communicating and doing the things like fundraisers that Dr. Chavez would want to do. Ms. West said she had heard of the disease before but never really thought about it. “It’s only when it hits home that you start to pay attention.” She could see that there was work to be done, and she stepped up.
Ms. West worked with Bertucci’s to organize a fundraiser. The money will go to Mass General research and care for ALS. She said, “It was so easy to set this up – Bertucci’s made it easy. The bigger part was really spreading the word, that took time.” So, she is grateful to spread any awareness.
Ms. West says the best ways to get involved is to go to the fundraiser, and to learn about the disease. The website iamals.org is the best way to learn about it, and to donate. Finally, she says, “Dr. Chavez has fond memories of all of her students, and she has been touched by all the people reaching out to her.” Just spreading awareness and doing a little bit to help touches hearts and helps.