BIDDEFORD — Until about four years ago, Brenda Whitmore of Biddeford had a good life.

The now 56-year-old had a loving husband, a grown son and daughter, and several young grandchildren.

She also had a job she enjoyed, caring for others.

Whitmore was a registered nurse for more than 20 years, and has worked both at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford and Maine Medical Center in Portland.

But Whitmore’s life changed dramatically in August 2010. That’s when she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

ALS is a progress neurodegenerative disease. It affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, according to the ALS Foundation. As a result of the disease, the body’s motor neurons degenerate. As this process takes place, the neurons lose their ability to send impulses to muscle fibers, and those suffering from the disease lose muscle movement.

In the early stages of the disease, people suffer from muscle weakness, and develop difficulty moving their arms and legs as well. They also can find it difficult to speak, swallow and breath.

In the later stages, patients may become totally paralyzed.

Approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year, according to the foundation.

The life expectancy of ALS averages between two to five years after diagnosis.

For Bill Whitmore, Brenda’s husband of almost 33 years, his wife is more than a statistic. He has been with her every step of the way as her ability to move has steadily declined.

Brenda Whitmore is now completely paralyzed and needs help to perform even the most basic functions. Despite her physical conditions, said her husband, her mind is still active. However, he said, she has difficulty speaking.

“It’s been a long road,” said Bill Whitmore.

Through the past four years, there have been good days and bad, he said. The good days are usually the ones spent with family ”“ especially the couple’s young grandchildren.

Other days, he said, “I just put my head on her lap and we cry together.”

After his wife was diagnosed, the couple remodeled their home so there would be room to maneuver the wheelchair she needs. Bill Whitmore said he wanted to make the house accessible for his wife.

“My goal is to give her wish,” he said. “Her wish is to pass at home.”

In order to make this wish come true, the couple have had to hire caregivers for Brenda Whitmore, who now requires round the clock care.

Last year, he said, the cost was nearly $200,000.

Whitmore said he’s had to drain some of the couple’s pension funds, but, he said, he can’t afford to pay for the care much longer.

“I’m trying to keep our heads above water, to keep our house,” said Bill Whitmore.

He said he is asking the community to help out financially, to help his wife who has helped so many others in her lifetime.

Bill Whitmore said some people ask him how he can continue caring for his wife in her condition.

It does take a toll, he said.

However, said Whitmore, he has a very simple answer: “That’s my wife,” said Whitmore. “That’s my everything.”

There are two ways to help the Whitmores out financially. One is to purchase a $10 Bucks for Brenda raffle calendar. These can be purchased at the Whitmore home at 94 Western Ave., Biddeford, ME 04005, by emailing bill.whitmore@maine.rr.com, or by mailing a $10 check or money order made out to Bill Whitmore and sent to the address above. Donors should include their name, address and phone number. Donations of raffle prizes are also needed. To simply make a donation, visit the website http://www.gofundme.com/7btkqs. For more information, call 283-0992.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.