A member of the IU basketball family is struggling with a devastating disease.

Four year men’s basketball manager Andy Murphy is afflicted with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, and his family is asking for support.

As a student at IU, Murphy was a four year roommate in Bloomington of former point guard Michael Lewis in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

The current UCLA assistant coach posted a message on his Twitter page on Saturday about Murphy.

Twitter people this is a former roommate of mine for 4yrs at IU, 4yr IU basketball manager, husband, father of 2, and just a helluva dude that is facing his biggest challenge. Help Andy Murphy On His ALS Journey https://t.co/mdYLRnAtQJ @IndianaMBB @IUBBManagers @IUHoosiers

— Michael Lewis (@CoachMikeLewis) May 15, 2021

We are posting this to create awareness in case Indiana fans would like to support the cause.

HERE IS A LINK TO THE GOFUNDME.

A description of Murphy’s challenge and needs from the GoFundMe follows.

In December 2019, Andy was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS. When you’re diagnosed with ALS you are told you likely have a 2-to-5-year lifespan and during that time your ability to walk, speak and breathe will slowly slip away. Some people can live for decades with ALS while some people lose their battle in a relatively short amount of time. There is no way of knowing how the ravaging effects of this disease will specifically impact your body or for how long.

In the face of this sobering reality, Andy and Brooke have been the model of strength, resilience, and grace. People often wonder how they would deal with a truly difficult situation or if they would show the strength and resolve they believe they have within them. Andy and Brooke don’t have to wonder about that – they embody that strength and grace daily.

While Andy and Brooke have been examples of perseverance, the challenges they face are only getting bigger. As Andy’s situation worsens, there are new and growing expenses to ensure that he is adequately cared for and can live in relative comfort. Though Andy has been able to remain employed to this point that will soon change. While there are organizations, foundations, and some government funds that may provide partial help, not having an income – or the opportunity to earn one – is a significant challenge on the horizon.

Even without his income Andy and Brooke won’t qualify for some of the government assistance available. Normal everyday things that we all take for granted—going on family walks, getting into the car to watch you kids play soccer—can’t happen without considerable investment. All of this is in addition to mounting medical expenses.

Many of you have already helped Andy and Brooke in countless ways. From reaching out to legislators about supporting potentially life extending legislation, to offering up prayers and intentions, to visiting or texting with Andy and Brooke, they appreciate everything you all have done to let them know they are not alone in this fight.

Please keep showing them you are in this fight with them. Please donate what you can to help Andy and Brooke on their difficult journey. All donations will go toward Andy’s treatment and care and to ensure his family can cover the various and mounting costs associated with ALS treatment.

Thank you for your kind support.

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