Bonnie’s Story

Site created on June 11, 2019

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place.Thank you for visiting.
Helping A Helper,
Bonnie Staiger

Many of you may know Bonnie as one of the Philly girls of Zydeco and Cajun dancing, from the Philadelphia area.

Bonnie, who is originally from Pittsburgh, PA has worked as a drug and alcohol counselor for much of her career, having received her Master’s degree in Counseling in Colorado in 1999.

From 1999- 2006, Bonnie worked at Community Care Behavioral Health as a Care Manager on the Drug and Alcohol Team. She worked with facilities providing care for those on Medical Assistance.

After moving to Philadelphia around 2006, Bonnie worked for Community Behavioral Health, and found similar work for those patients in Philly with Mental Health and Substance Abuse issues.

Bonnie also volunteered her time booking Zydeco and Cajun bands for Philly Zydeco, and the Allons Danser Committee when the original founders retired.

Bonnie moved back to Pittsburgh 2 years ago (2017) to be closer to her daughter, Valerie.

Sadly, Bonnie was diagnosed with ALS a year ago, when she began losing strength in her arms. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive, fatal disease that affects the nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and spinal cord, that control voluntary muscle movement. There is currently no cure for the disease. Once ALS starts, it almost always progresses, eventually taking away the ability to walk, dress, write, speak, swallow.

Bonnie is no longer able to work, and needs home care to help her with daily needs. As her disease progresses, she will need more care with her daily routines and movements. With our help, she will be able to get that care, and services such as an occupational therapist, nutrition and home care nurses. As a person who was always helping others, now Bonnie needs OUR help.

You can help by donating to our GoFundMe page for Bonnie’s daily care, and can leave a tribute and well wishes that Bonnie and her family can read. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Newest Update

February 07, 2020

Journal entry by Dale Apple —

Just to let supporters know that Bonnie is in the fight of her life. She contracted pneumonia and has responded to the antibiotics. Bonnie has had a mild heart attack too and her heart is weak. She is currently in the ICU, and if her condition improves, she will undergo surgery to insert a feeding tube since she can no longer eat.
ALS is a terrible disease but Bonnie is not ready to let go. We continue to pray for her condition and comfort at this difficult time.
Cards may be sent to Bonnie at her home address and will be brought in by her daughter.
Bonnie Staiger
5700 Stanton Ave
Unit 2
Pittsburgh, PA  15206
United States
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