The Reyes family immigrated to the United States in September of 1981, fleeing a civil war that was taking place in their native country El Salvador. In fear for their lives and in search of a better place to raise children, the family of four landed in Queens, New York where other family members were staying at the time. Mr Reyes spent decades working to provide for his family in their studio apartment in Jamaica Queens, that they called home. After a rough start acclimating to their new lives, the family of four, Mr. Reyes, Mrs. Reyes, their eldest daughter Jessica and son Douglas, welcomed another little boy Dennis in 1987.

It was one summer day in 1999 that would change their lives forever. A trip to Far Rockaway beach that lasted a few minutes became a lifetime of pain and suffering for this family. Douglas had gone into the water for a quick swim and came out to say that the waves were a little strong, but he wanted to go back one more time. The family was on the shore and realized after a few minutes that they did not see Douglas anymore. They yelled out to the lifeguards who did not hear them at the time, it was a family that was closer to the shore that helped search for him and pull him out of the water. Douglas’ only words at that time were “can someone put my legs straight”, with which a nearby onlooker responded that his legs were straight, but Douglas felt as if his legs were up to his chest. A rush to Jamaica Hospital and the EMT’s kept reassuring the family that his body was in shock and not to worry. However, once arriving in the ER, the doctors rushed to care for him as he was minutes away from death. After eight hours of neurosurgery, his life was saved, but he was completely paralyzed and unable to speak. He remained in a coma for two days. The family spent months in hospitals and rehabilitation centers hoping he would recover. Douglas did get better, regaining some mobility in his upper body but still unable to walk. During this time, they still lived in a studio apartment with no space to properly care for someone with his needs. In 2007, the family got together and were able to purchase their first home in Valley Stream, New York. It took a while to find a place that had the space necessary for Douglas to move around, and that also had bedrooms on the first floor. The home was large but needed a lot of work to make it a functional and accessible home.

Over the years the family did their best to care for Douglas with limitations. However, as time passed, Mr. Reyes’ health began deteriorating with loss of vision and progressive Parkinson’s disease. Mrs. Reyes works very hard to take care of both Douglas and Mr. Reyes. It has become difficult for them to navigate a home that is falling apart and with a bathroom that is not handicap accessible, as they are forced to physically carry Douglas into the bathtub. The Reyes family has worked very hard to keep their home regardless of hardships but require assistance so that they can improve their quality of life.

Today, Douglas was able to finish his high school education, obtained an associate degree and his bachelor’s degree. He is currently studying theology, to become a priest so that he can share his story and help guide others. Even though this traumatic experience was difficult for this family, today, he has the support of his family and his son Douglas Jr. who has served as an inspiration and reason to never give up.

Keith was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2017. Since the initial diagnosis, Keith’s disease and disability have progressed rapidly. In addition, Keith’s stepdaughter Olivia has Cerebral Palsy as well as other disabilities. Olivia is mobile but she has a tendency to fall due to her poor ambulatory skills. The bathroom, hallways, front and rear decks and stairways are not equipped to accommodate Keith and Olivia’s disabilities. Charitable foundations that purport to help people with ALS ad Cerebral Palsy have not been forthcoming with the necessary help. We plan on speaking with the ALS Foundation & the Cerebral Palsy foundation to get the family help.