Mike Porcaro - his story

 

Michael Joseph Porcaro (born May 29, 1955) is a bass player best known for his work with the Grammy Award-winning band, Toto.  In 2005, Mike Porcaro started to suffer from weakness in his hand, first starting in the one hand and then moving into both.  This made it very difficult for him to play bass.  After many visits with several different specialist trying to discover what could be creating the problems, Mike and his family were eventually given the devastating news - they believed it was Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease - a death sentence.

 

His condition quickly progressed to the point where he was no longer able to play and had to give up his career of thirty (30) plus years as a professional musician. Not only had he just been given the horrible diagnoses, he had also just lost his career and livelihood. ALS slowly started to rob him of more and more things that we all take for granted, slowly paralyzing this vibrant and full-of-life person.

 

The family refused to give up hope and continued to search out other possibilities and alternative cures.  All kinds of people, websites and companies offered a cure or hope at the cost of up to tens of thousands of dollars upfront. No one was willing to prove what they had, all just wanting money and making outrageous promises. The Porcaros were among many that tried a few but to no avail, just making these companies wealthier and depleting the funds of families who are desperate to try anything to help save their loved one.  Anyone suffering from ALS knows how fiscally devastating this disease is.  The insurance companies do not cover very much (if anything), making out-of-pocket health care a reality.  Most ALS patients require around the clock care (running up to $10,000.00 a month), which is often cost-prohibitive to most families.  Spouses, families and caregivers are physically and emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed from the level of care they need to provide.

 

With your help, he can continue the good fight.  Being able to help someone who has poured their heart and soul into the music that is such a part of our lives just feels right.  Should you wish to help Mike, please donate today.  We thank you in advance for your time and donations. Simply click on the “DONATE” button.

 

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is one hundred (100%) percent fatal and has few treatments to improve the quality of life.  We should all commit ourselves to come to understand the impact this devastating disease has on individuals and families nationwide and beyond.

 

The Mike Porcaro Charity Fund - Midwest Chapter was created to bring awareness to ALS.  Moreover, MPCF-MidWest is driven with a gratitude of thanks to an amazing artist.  The music world, and the world as a whole, would be different if it weren’t for his music, talent and kindness.