Fundraiser Planned For Lacey Woman Stricken With ALS

by Patricia A. Miller

The first hint that something was wrong came around Christmas 2014.

Megean Bagarozza noticed she had some muscle weakness, mostly in her arms. She and husband Sal began visiting specialists to see what was wrong.

One by one, they ruled out Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and other other abnormalities. Soon there was only one devastating answer left - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Sal said.

Their first reaction to the diagnosis was disbelief. Then it became a race to find something, anything, to stave off the progression of the disease. The couple would like to go to Israel, where more clinical trials are available, Sal said.

Because ALS is so rare, there is little in the way of fundraising or research in the United States, he said.

Megean can still walk, talk and swallow. But the muscle weakness in her arms has left her unable to feed herself, drive or shower, Sal said.

"My first priority is her," he said.

In the morning he makes sure she has the remote and her coffee. Fortunately he can do a lot of work at home for his real estate job, except when he has to meet clients.

Their mother's illness has taken a toll on the couple's two daughters, who still live at home and their married son, who lives in North Jersey, Bagarozza said.

The couple's friends are holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the family from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 4 at the Lacey Recreation Center on Main Street and East Lacey Road.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or by calling Nancy Gray at 732-674-8867 or Peter Tront at 201-394-3765.

The event will feature a spaghetti dinner, salad and beverages. Desserts will be available for purchase. Vendors and a DJ will also be on hand.

Photo credit: the Bagarozza family.