I'm more broken than you

[Drunk Monk]

LCF just posted this on a private Wing Lam group. I figure she'd be ok with me sharing it here:

I have some bad news.
TLDR: Brother Gary (Shockley) has a rare degenerative neurological disorder known as Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) that is untreatable and (it goes without saying) incurable. We are coping, but expressions of love and support for him would be much appreciated. I think many of you know he writes science fiction and fantasy; he's been self-publishing several books and if you're interested, check him out on Amazon. His writing is very important to him and has been keeping him going, and the more people I can talk into checking it out, the longer he'll be with us.
Somewhat longer version: Some of you folks know about this already but many of you haven't heard yet. This disorder is somewhat akin to Parkinson's. His flavor attacks the cerebellum, and prognosis is 6-10 years after onset of symptoms, which we think was 2019/20. His hips were bad, too, which muddied the issue. Finally got a diagnosis (as much of one as we're going to get since the only way to tell for sure is to autopsy the brain) just before the 4th of July weekend, 2023. No fireworks for us.
He's still walking some, though he needs assistance (trekking poles or a walker, depending on distance) but installation of ramp at the front door is scheduled and if anyone knows of a good contractor who can rip out our tub and install a low-threshhold shower, the info would be greatly appreciated.
One area that has been affected is his voice--anyone who would like to talk to him, now's the time. Unfortunately, we don't have a good idea of how quickly this will progress. He seems to hit a plateau, but then there will be another sudden loss of function.
If you have read this far, thank you. If you want to message him on Facebook, or email, or call, or buy his books--any and all reaching out by our kung fu family would be deeply appreciated. Even if you just keep him in your thoughts. He's got a pretty hellish road ahead.