Dixon Couple Struggles With ALS, Need for New Vehicle

This is a very special feature written by Vacaville Reporter journalist Kimberly K. Fu who has given Dixon Patch permission to run in it's entirety.

In the past six years, Christa Emmons has seen her baby boy blossom and toddle off to school, her stepchildren take their first steps into adulthood and her bond with longtime love Gilbert Lopez grow ever stronger.

The 33-year-old has also watched as ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, slowly stole her mobility, motor skills, speech and now, freedom.

"I am now a prisoner in my own body and I don't want to be a prisoner in my own home," said Emmons, by way of a vision-activated computer that essentially speaks her thoughts. "Growing up I always wanted to do things myself. ... I was very independent. Now, I am very dependent. I have to rely on my family to do everything for me and it sucks."

Now wheelchair bound, the once active mom of a son, Frank, 7, is unable to move her hands or legs and can barely wiggle her fingers. She can't hug her much-adored son, laugh with Gilbert, Frank's dad, or do any of the fun things she used to do. All because of her battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which was diagnosed in 2007.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and can lead to complete paralysis.

Loved ones are hosting fundraisers and other events in an attempt to pull together enough money to enable the family to buy a van with a wheelchair lift, so that Emmons can get out of the house and spend more time with family.

"Owning this van would let me be with the family all the time," she wrote. "I wouldn't miss Frank's school activities and sporting events. I could go shopping and to the movies. I could just go for a ride and see the world. I could go to appointments without trying to find a way to get there. It would let me be a mom and see my child and stepchildren grow outside these four walls."

Friend and neighbor Gail Maldonado agreed.

"It would be so beautiful. She has a great heart. She's a great lady," she said. "It would just light her up, so that she could be out with her family."

These days, Emmons spends most of her time indoors because she can't be maneuvered into the family car, explained Lopez.

And, times are especially hard. The family lives in a home owned by Emmons' grandparents and they survive on barely $1,400 a month. Her parents lend a hand in the morning and at night, and Lopez is the lone caregiver in between. He cooks and cleans, cares for Emmons and their child and their stepchildren. When moments get too tough, he'll take a short break.

"I go into our room where she can't hear me and cry," he admitted.

Which, in turn, made Emmons cry, and Lopez snatched up a tissue and gently wiped away her tears. "She's very emotional," he said. "The disease makes her very emotional."

Dealing with the situation can be overwhelming, Lopez said, as it is all-consuming. Though her insurance covers her medical needs, money for necessities is always an issue. Yet, so many people are facing hardships, he added.

"It's hard for us to ask for things because I know there are people out there who need more than we do," he said.

The family would appreciate any donations toward a van, or necessities including groceries and toiletries.

For more information or to help, email the family at frankie12606@hotmail.com.

Follow Staff Writer Kimberly K. Fu at Twitter.com/ReporterKimFu.