Fundraiser set to help mom
Event proceeds to fund local ALS chapter
Amanda McElfresh
amcelfresh@theadvertiser.com

One local woman's family hopes a fundraiser today will raise enough money to help her continue to live as normal a life as possible.
Niki McWilliams of Breaux Bridge was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, seven years ago, said McWilliams' mother, Dora Couret.



McWilliams was about five months pregnant when she began having symptoms, Couret said.

"It started with intermittent weakness in her left arm," Couret said. "It would come and go, and the doctor thought the baby might be compressing on that side, so we just left it at that. But then after she had the baby, the weakness continued, and we ended up seeing neurologists who diagnosed her."
McWilliams must use a walker or wheelchair to move around and can no longer work with her hands.

"She's lost her fine motor function, so she can't do things like write," Couret said. "She still feeds herself, but with effort. She's also began to have tremendous difficulty speaking, so we're in the process of buying her a communication device."

Despite her limitations, Couret said, McWilliams still is an active part of her 6-year-old daughter Makenzi's life. But getting to events like school functions and birthday parties has become increasingly difficult because the family does not have a handicapped-modified vehicle.

"Niki has never had to pay for any of her medical bills, but insurance will not pay for modifying a vehicle, and that can cost about $25,000," Couret said. "Insurance companies consider a disabled person being able to leave their home a luxury. But being able to attend things for her daughter helps create her quality of life. That's not a luxury."

To help modify McWilliams' van, and raise money for the ALS Association's Louisiana chapter, the family will host Niki's Eggstravaganza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Parc Hardy in Breaux Bridge.

The event will feature performances by Country Pride Band, Desolate, and Chris Himel and Outbound, as well as Cajun jokester Murray Conque. The Easter Bunny will be there. Easter egg hunts will be held throughout the day, and live and silent auctions and a plant sale will also be part of the event.

"It's for the whole family, and it's what we call clean family fun," Couret said.