When Salym Liufau struggled to stand up after crouching to pick up one of her children at a family event, she didn’t realize it was the first sign of a serious disease. Although not in pain, the sudden weakness was unsettling. Soon after, her left foot became numb and then unresponsive, making everyday tasks impossible.
The move from Las Vegas to Houston happened during this troubling time. Initial medical tests showed nothing wrong, but as symptoms worsened, Salym sought further help at Houston Methodist Hospital. Tests revealed her left leg lacked reflexes, indicating nerve damage.
For the following year, Salym balanced motherhood and mounting health challenges without answers. Finally, in May 2023, doctors confirmed she had ALS—a fatal neurologic disease that gradually removes muscle control, affecting speech, eating, and movement.
ALS has no cure, and life expectancy varies but averages a few years after diagnosis. Salym’s emotional response speaks to the heavy toll on families facing such heartbreaking news: “My husband told me it’s going to be okay, but I cried for my children and him.”
Her family created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover the costs of medications, therapies, wheelchair access, and daily care. The goal is to provide Salym with the resources she needs as she continues her fight with ALS, surrounded by love and support.
