A Kettering family says it will use any means necessary to raise awareness about Multiple System Atrophy, an incurable disease that shuts down bodily functions without warning.

“If I can help somebody down the road and raise awareness, we might get money for research or find a cure so that some other family doesn’t have to suffer with this,” said Frank Cervone, a Kettering resident and former Fairborn city councilman.

Cervone was diagnosed with terminal MSA. The disease has reduced him to half of his normal weight and has left him totally dependent on his wife Susan, whose recent social media post has gone viral.

“He was in a coma less than two weeks ago. He once weighed 300 pounds. He now weighs 150. He has a pacemaker that operates his heart 95 percent of the time … He loses consciousness daily,” she wrote.

Susan shared their story in response to an incident that happened during an MSA awareness event at a Kettering restaurant. She said two diners there complained that the event “ruined” their dining experience.

The event was held in conjunction with March being Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month. Susan’s post drew supporters from the MSA community and went a long way in raising awareness of the disease.

“His goal was to make others aware of this disease. Yours may not have been a pleasant experience, but his goal was accomplished. You now are aware of Multiple System Atrophy,” Susan wrote.