My name is Melissa Juknuis, I’m doing this fundraiser for my brother, Brian Juknuis Jr.

In 2019, my brother’s life went into a spiral, Brian was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease (HD).

Never heard of it. Not many have.

Huntington’s Disease causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has NO CURE. Imagine having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s--simultaneously--which includes progressive motor dysfunction, behavior disturbances and cognitive decline. Simply put, it’s a nightmare for both the person and the family.

Perhaps the most tragic part of Huntington’s is that families are strapped with exorbitant living and treatment costs-all out of pocket. Not only are you dealing with a horrific disease with no cure, at some point, loved ones can no longer stay at home and need constant care in a facility.

This disease is terminal and has also taken the life of his mother as well.

Prior to 2019, my brother had life all figured out, he was what we call living the “American Dream” everything was going right for him, he was employed by Cook County as a laborer making a decent living, purchased a beautiful home in Bolingbrook and had a son.

My brother is one of the sweetest people in the world, he would give you the shirt off of his back. As the oldest brother of three sisters who look up to him, we’ve always depended on him, he helped raise us. He is a son, a nephew, a brother, an uncle, a grandson and most importantly a father of two beautiful children.

My family and I are hoping that you guys will share this post and perhaps donate to my brothers cause.
 

These funds will be used for his memorial.