Ride For Life: Update: Neighbors help ALS patient go home

With help from the community, a terminally ill Tulsa man will be able to spend his final days in the comfort of his own home.

After the Tulsa World told the story of Chris Cramer, offers poured in Friday from people wanting to donate money, repair his house or provide health care.

"I've been taking calls all day," said Cramer's caretaker, Tony Rockefeller, who is a registered nurse. "It really shows the goodness that's out there." Cramer, 53, has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease, which attacks the body's motor system.

Most ALS patients live for two to five years after their diagnosis. Cramer was diagnosed May 15, 2001, after developing coordination problems.

The only body movements he has left are from his slow-moving right hand, strained speech and his eyes.

Cramer, who is not married and has no children, tried to remain independent as long as he could.

He lost his job as a legal assistant after exhausting his medical leave and has a Social Security income of slightly more than $1,000 a month.

As he got sicker, his midtown home deteriorated and he was unable to make the necessary repairs.

Cramer was recently placed in a local nursing home, but he wants to return to his own home, where he had lived for nearly 30 years.

Rockefeller, who is coordinating volunteer efforts to clean up and repair the house, said he hopes the move can happen soon.

"There are some basic safety things that have to be done first, like replacing the broken windows," he said. "There's some folks at Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church that have offered to do that."

Tulsan Dennis Hill also offered to make repairs to Cramer's house.

"I'm not a very proficient carpenter," he said. "But I can swing a hammer. If this guy needs an extra hand, I'd be glad to help out."

Otis Eversole, executive director of Grace Hospice, was also touched by Cramer's plight.

"We want to help this man for the long haul," said Eversole, adding that it would be a pro-bono case.

Grace Hospice can offer medical care and volunteers who can help by doing household chores, Eversole said. The service can also help pay for medicine and health equipment.

"We'll have to sit down and find out what his specific needs are," Eversole said.
Rockefeller, who attended Edison High School with Cramer, said he also is donating his time so that his friend can live at home.

"I think that he will be so much better off mentally," Rockefeller said. "If he's happy and comfortable, he could still live a long time."

Donations can be sent to the Chris Cramer Fund; Attn: Cindy Heiliger; c/o F&M Bank and Trust Co.; 1924 S. Utica Ave.; Suite 100; Tulsa, OK 74104.