A Bucks County family is seeking community support to help father and husband, Jay Smith in his decade-long battle against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), writes Peg Quann in the Bucks County Courier Times.  

Jay and his wife Melissa are from Bucks County but relocated to Austin after completing college. 

It was there that Jay established Livid Instruments, a MIDI platform, and created a touring device for bands. 

When Jay was diagnosed in 2014, he was told he only had a few years to live. 

Despite the grim prognosis, Jay leaned into philanthropy.  

Joining forces with former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason, they invented a wheelchair that can be controlled through one’s eyes.  

Ten years later, Jay raised over $500,000 to research and amassed $200,000 in medical expenses.  

He continues fighting his illness which took his ability to speak, walk, and eat.  

On Jan. 26, from 6:30 to 10:00 PM, the family will host a hybrid event at the Pine Crest Country Club in Lansdale to raise money for Jay’s medical expenses.  

The family says that they are also happy to help others that have been affected by this illness through their foundation.  

Read more about Jay Smith’s battle with ALS and how to participate in the fundraiser in the Bucks County Courier Times.  

Jay Smith speaks about ALS at an event hosted by Wonders & Worries