Our Board members have met fantastic caregivers through the Cocktails and Caregivers Foundation. We have the privilege of witnessing their strength, perseverance, and positivity. Chelsea Ezell from Houston, Texas, is only one example of the hundreds of individuals we have supported through this foundation. Chelsea and her husband, Matt, are the recipients of the Our Tribe Grant for the first quarter of 2024. We cannot think of a better and more deserving recipient than the Ezell family. Here’s to more love, hope, support, and giving this year. 

The Ezell Family

Chelsea’s husband Matt (37) was diagnosed with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease in June of 2023 after previously being misdiagnosed as having Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) for a year and a half. They are loving parents to four children, ages 8, 6, 6, and 3. Despite his declining health, Matt works full-time, mostly from home, as he can no longer drive. Matt is their family’s sole financial support and insurance carrier, as Chelsea spends all her time caring for their children and as Matt’s full-time caregiver.

The two met while working at a church camp in college. Matt’s job at ExxonMobil placed them in Houston, but while they were beginning their family, they had the opportunity to move overseas to the Middle East. They enjoyed traveling and showing their children other ways of life. Their travels and adventures did not prepare them for the onset of Matt’s symptoms, which came when he fell on their 10th-anniversary trip in October 2021. The initial diagnosis of PLS brought them back to Texas in January 2022. In June 2023, his diagnosis changed to ALS. 

“We love and trust God and put our hope in Him, which is how we get through every day.” Chelsea Ezell

My Favorite Person

Chelsea says her husband is the “coolest person in the world,” but it takes an amazing person to know an amazing person. Her positivity shines through the darkness of this terrible disease. The Cocktails & Caregivers Foundation stands in awe of this woman who finds joy and purpose as her husband’s primary caregiver. Chelsea cites her background and career in speech pathology and her experience selling communication devices; she knows it was not a mistake that she had professional experience before Matt’s diagnosis. 

The two spend their weekends with their church community and attending and cheering for their kids at many sporting events. They know Chelsea’s ability to care for all five of them (Matt and the children) is not sustainable or safe, so the Our Tribe Grant they received will go to one of the many expenses they incur, whether it be physical therapy, school tuition for their youngest, or caregiving assistance for Matt as they continue to navigate his declining health. 

Our Tribe

To Chelsea, We know this grant is small compared to your journey. Thank you for sharing your story with our community. We see you and are grateful for your reminder that we must all continue to love, trust, and hope. 

Cocktails & Caregivers is providing a $2,000 grant to help the Ezell family with preschool tuition for their youngest child. To help Cocktails & Caregivers support families like this, donate here.