LETHBRIDGE – Imagine not being able to do simple things, such as walking or sitting up.
That is Chelsie Lindsay’s reality, knowing every day her body is slowly shutting down.
“It’s got to the point where rolling over in bed is hard. I have to use a bar to roll over. Any kind of stairs is almost impossible at this point,” she explained.
“It’s gotten to the point where I’m falling a bit more, so I have to have someone there to help me get up, because I can’t get up.”
For the last eight years, Lindsay has been living with muscular dystrophy, which affects both her lower and upper body. However, for the mother of three the most difficult part is becoming less involved in her children’s lives.
“That’s the main thing (that), for lack of a better word, scares me is that I want to be there for them and I want to be able to be the kind of mom I’d like to be, so that part’s hard.”
Her husband, Bradley, has been by her side for the difficult journey, but knows it gets a little easier when you face it with family.
“For us it’s been a strengthening thing for our family that’s pulled us together,” he said.
“I think that she’s a good example to what she’s able to accomplish despite her obstacles.”
WATCH: Rooftop Campout for muscular dystrophy
From now until Sunday five Lethbridge firefighters are braving all the elements to raise money to help people like Lindsay fight the disease.
The second annual rooftop campout kicked off on Thursday at Hudson’s Canadian Tap House. Last year the group raised $13,000, this year they are hoping for $15,000.
For the guys, helping those living with muscular dystrophy is about more than just fundraising.
“It’s the least we can do. It’s not too hard to campout for 72 hours to raise money for such a good cause,” said firefighter/paramedic Jarret Fowler.
There’s currently no medication to help Lindsay with her symptoms. And while the future is uncertain, she’s staying focused and hopeful that a cure will be found.
“I like to not dwell on it too much you know because you never know what’s going to happen and you never know what they’re going to come up with,” she said.
For now, Lindsay will do what she can and keep family close, a constant reminder to keep fighting.
If you would like to donate to the cause, visit lethbridgefirefighters.com. Or you can donate to the guys in person at Hudson’s.
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