Thank You for taking time to hear Mikes' story. This account is on behalf of Michael "Mike" "EZ" Edler. Our intent, as his siblings, is to HELP MIKE LIVE the best LIFE he can while fighting a RARE TERMINAL NEUROMUSCULAR MOVEMENT DISORDER called PROGRESSIVE SUPRANUCLEAR PALSY (PSP). Mike is our brother as well as a friend, teacher, coach, spiritual leader, confidant and an inspiration to all. He is musically gifted, being self-taught in piano, organ, keyboard and guitar. Mike was also blessed with a beautiful singing voice, which he has shared at many weddings, funerals and the like. His pets have always been his children and he currently has two dogs and two cats. The cats are camera shy. His "kids" are such a comfort to him. Sports have played a large part in Mikes' life, both as a participant and a spectator. He successfully coached basketball and tennis at Rockhurst HS and girls basketball at O'Hare HS. One can always find Mike cheering on the Jayhawks and the Chiefs! After graduating from St. Benedictine College, Mike moved to Kansas City where he has called home for the past 52 years. Mike began working at KU Med Center before he started his teaching career. He taught at St. Ann's Catholic HS, Rockhurst Catholic HS and O'Hare HS. Mr. Edler was an inspiration to many students and built many lifelong friendships throughout his teaching and coaching careers. Mike was leader in Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) for 17 weekend retreats followed by weekly meetings in his home for 4 years, as well as Residents Encounter Christ (REC) at Leavenworth Prison. After his teaching career he worked at Cerner Corporation before his retirement. On 11-22-21 Mike was diagnosed with PSP, which affects 5 out of 100,000 people. Linda Ronstadt is also one of the those affected. According to the Mayo Clinic, PSP is an uncommon condition often caused by the deterioration of brain cells that control thinking, movement and coordination. PSP mimics many of the same symptoms of Parkinsons and Dementia and those symptoms worsen over time. Symptoms like "walking as if you are drunk", muscle weakness, loss of balance resulting in frequent falls, constant severe headaches, swallowing difficulties, dry eyes, blurred and double vision, tremors, aspiration pneumonia, cognitive decline, depression, fear, anxiety and uncertainty of the future, just to mention a few. Unfortunately, Mike has had all the aforementioned! Each movement is a different struggle for Mike, never knowing which movement will slip away while he sleeps. "Will I be able to open my eyes to see your face, cough if my throat is sore, cry tears when I'm sad or in unrelenting pain, have enough muscle left to swallow, or will I be mute, completely unable to communicate my needs, say "thank you" or "I love you"? Will I even know who you are? I am a prisoner in my own mind and body!" Over the next days, weeks, months and perhaps years, Mike will have countless doctor appointments, falls, incidents and accidents due to PSP. One such fall occurred on February 13th, 2024 during which Mike sustained a C1-C2 neck fracture. In the ER he went into an abnormal heart rhythm, suffered respiratory arrest and was placed on a ventilator for life support. During surgery a plate was fused to the base of his skull and his spine fused from C2 thru C5 for neck stabilization. This has further limited his movements and now he must move his entire upper torso to see left or right. His vision is limited to looking straight forward. He fights his battle with PSP every day, doing exercises to stay as strong as possible, to live the best life he can, as long as he can. Our deepest thanks for your generous support to Mike during his difficult battle! Please kindly share Mikes' story with family, friends and others to help us reach his goal. Mike is currently receiving hospice care. There is NO pill, NO magic wand, NO cure! Mike will NOT get better! FACT: 100% of those diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy will die! Mike does not feel sorry for himself and is not just waiting around to die. Tim McGraw sang "I'd go skydiving" when asked what he'd do if he were dying. So Mike went skydiving in 90mph winds in a simulator, thanks to his friend Kristine! We hope and pray that our brother has many more life experiences such as that before it's his time to pass. There are, however, certain requirements needed for Mike to live safely. Immediately needed is a tub to shower conversion for easier & safer accessibility and to prevent further falls and injuries from re-occuring. Home revisions such as wider doors for wheelchairs, a kitchen island accessible for Mike to eat his meals and work on the computer as long as he is able, a back deck for sunshine, fresh air and to enjoy his "kids" playing in the yard. Next are funds for caregivers who are required to assist him 24/7 with daily living. Included are meal preparation, bathing, laundry, housekeeping, transportation, companionship and ensuring Mikes safety. In 1 week Mike paid $1,898 for caregivers. Most agencies charge 1/3 to 1/2 times more for the same services. Mike simply cannot afford these costs on his social security income. Donations will go directly into Mikes' account, allowing immediate use of funds for a bathroom conversion, home renovations, 24/7 caregivers, medical necessities and unexpected costs due to PSP. All donations, prayers, cards, phone calls, songs and acknowledgements are greatly appreciated by Mike and his family! Many Heartfelt Thanks! The Edler Family. Mike, Connie, Rosanne, Donna, Ron