Guest: Jennifer Allebach
Former Chief Girl Experience Executive at Girl Scouts USA and MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)
Episode Summary
Jennifer Allebach's life changed forever when her husband Brian was diagnosed with ALS in 2019. After 32 years of marriage and five children together, she became his primary caregiver while continuing to work full-time—first at Girl Scouts USA, then in a remarkable coincidence, at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which serves ALS families.
For four years, Jennifer navigated the devastating progression of ALS while managing Brian's care, from installing Hoyer lifts to redesigning garden paths for wheelchair accessibility. She shares the emotional weight of caregiving, the financial challenges not covered by insurance, and the difficult decisions families face when confronting terminal illness.
Now in what she calls "the toddlerhood of grief," Jennifer is channeling her hard-won wisdom into purpose—planning to create resources for other ALS families based on the practical insights she gathered throughout their journey.
Key Topics Discussed
The reality of being a primary caregiver for someone with ALS
How ALS differs from other terminal illnesses (taking the body but not the mind)
The financial burden of caregiving not covered by insurance
Making end-of-life decisions as a couple
Maintaining family relationships during long-distance caregiving
The coincidence of working at MDA while becoming an ALS family
Finding purpose in grief through helping others
The practical challenges of home accessibility and daily care
Resources Mentioned
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) - Provides research funding, clinics, and support for families affected by ALS and other neuromuscular diseases
Girl Scouts USA - Where Jennifer served as Chief Girl Experience Executive
Connect with Jennifer
Jennifer is currently developing resources for ALS caregivers based on her experience. While she doesn't have public social media for this mission yet, her story demonstrates the power of turning personal experience into support for others facing similar challenges.
About ALS
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It typically takes about a year to diagnose and is always terminal. Unlike other conditions, ALS affects voluntary muscles while leaving involuntary muscles (like the heart) and cognitive function intact, meaning patients remain fully aware throughout the disease's progression.
Support ALS Research and Families
ALS Association - alsa.org
Muscular Dystrophy Association - mda.org
ALS Therapy Development Institute - als.net
This episode touches on themes of terminal illness, grief, and caregiving. If you're facing similar challenges, please reach out to appropriate medical professionals and support organizations.
Next Episode:
Terry Grahl is the Founder and CEO of the national non profit, Enchanted Makeovers. The mission serves women and children living in shelters who have escaped domestic violence and human trafficking. Terry is also a children’s book author, speaker, and WARRIOR!
Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.
