A fundraiser has been launched for Will Vess, a 57-year-old retired United States Air Force veteran who was recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a terminal neurodegenerative disease.
Vess, who served 20 years in the Air Force Special Operations Command, is now facing the rapid progression of ALS, which has begun to limit his ability to enjoy activities that once brought him joy, including motorcycle riding and playing guitar.
Vess, who lives in Mount Vernon with his wife, Lori, spent much of his military career stationed in various locations around the world, including Panama, Iraq, Kuwait, Bosnia, Haiti, and participated in Operation Freedom.
While Vess has access to Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare and other programs designed to assist with the physical challenges of ALS, his family and supporters are seeking to fulfill one special request through the GoFundMe campaign: a vacation to Oceanside, where Vess and his wife can enjoy some precious time together while he still has the ability to walk and take part in activities.
Throughout his life, Vess has been a supporter of various charitable causes, including Cystic Fibrosis research and local benefit events like Farmstead Poker Runs. His service to both his country and his community is widely acknowledged, and now, his friends, family, and supporters are rallying behind him in his time of need. The fundraiser has raised over $7,000 of the $10,000 goal in its first four days online.
Those wishing to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign can find more information and donate through the platform.
