NORFOLK, Va. — After news got out that Michael "Sully" Sullivan was battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, the community raised more than $28,000 to support him - and the fundraiser is still open.
Three days ago, the organizer of the fundraiser set the goal at $25,000, to help the family cover gaps in their medical insurance.
"I was very overwhelmed," said Michael Sullivan.
The fundraiser's description was written by Sullivan's wife, Laurie. She said her husband has been a member of the Norfolk Police SWAT team for 11 years, and he also served in other positions (on the detective unit and as a patrol officer) for a total of 20 years of service.
Now this money will go directly to making the house handicap accessible. That means a handicap shower, car and bed; day-to-day items that Michael needs.
Laurie Sullivan said they still feel hesitant asking and receiving help, but the donations from the community are making it so this officer can keep living a life that isn't halted by disease.
"I would spend everything I had just to make sure that he had the things he needed without feeling sick," she said.
"For those who know my husband you can only imagine what this has done to his mentality for being told that he can no longer do what he loves to do," she wrote on the page. "At this time, he can no longer use his hands or arms. His speech is getting slightly slurred and now it is starting to affect his core muscles and needs assistance walking."
ALS is a rarely-occurring disease that destroys the neurons responsible for voluntary muscle movement. The causes haven't been completely determined, and doctors haven't found a way to cure patients from ALS yet.
"So, it's very hard for me to walk now,” said Michael Sullivan.
It's a progressive disease, and when he left the police department about two years ago, "Sully" didn't tell many co-workers about his diagnosis.
"I mean I'll be honest with you, I contemplated my life,” he said.
Now it's a disease that's rallying the Hampton Roads Law Enforcement community, to help an officer who gave his all to train and protect others.
"I can't say enough about those guys," Sullivan said. "Those guys are my heroes."
"We are staying positive that a cure will be found," wrote Laurie Sullivan. "We are praying constantly for strength and endurance during this difficult time."