The Fajardo spa & introducing a new team member

Before and during the early stages of my ALS progression, I used to get my haircut either on my own or simply getting in my power wheelchair and rolling over to Supercuts for my haircuts.

I used to cut, of course, my own fingernails and toenails, but as my progression made that harder and then impossible, I was rolling myself to a small nail salon right next to my office where the kind owner would take care of my hands and feet. But now with the loss of my right hand, and my inability to control my power wheelchair on my own, both those trips have become harder and nearly impossible.

In order to maintain my energy, I have been grateful to have the support of my mother-in-law, Dianne, and my administrative assistant, Mia, to create the Fajardo Spa in the comfort of our home. My mother-in-law has helped keep my fingernails trimmed, and Mia has volunteered to cut my hair when needed. They both have done a great job keeping me as handsome as ever!

Because of the support we have recently received towards our stretch goal, we have finally hired a home caregiver to lend additional support to Jennifer and I with my care needs. Fammy has been a terrific addition to my “pit crew” (the term for my in-home support team coined by Jen and Tuly). She is here Sunday through Thursdays, to assist with feeding and showers on Sundays and Wednesdays, and here the rest of her work week to help Jennifer get me ready for work, fill-in lunch buddy when needed, help with errands and chores around the house, to be ready to assist when I arrive home, and to support me when typical in-office days become work from home days.

Fammy has an incredible kind heart and her humor matches mine. We were lucky to find someone who fits our needs and personalities so well

We are almost to the finish line with our crowdfunding stretch goal, which will enable us to fund Fammy into early next year, when the plan is that Jennifer’s new coaching business takes off and we will be able to self-fund Fammy from that point forward. The balance of the stretch goal is just a few thousand dollars. If you can give, and if you’ve given already, thank you! Be sure to share with your friends if you’re so inclined.

As always, thank you for reading, and for supporting my journey either by your contributions, comments, emails, and cards of support. Each in their own way are very important and valued by me.

All my love, and aloha, José