April 17th, 2025 Update - 

Dear friends, relatives and supporters of David~

Not so long ago, we laughed and cried with David as he addressed us from the Becker Theatre stage at the Emery Weiner School during the Larry Gatlin concert fundraiser.  At that time, we held onto the hope that his ALS progression would be slow and painless.  David’s journey has been neither, but his strength, courage, grace, quick wit and kind-heartedness are as strong as ever.

Largely due to your support, both financial and in friendship, David has been able to maintain his sense of dignity and will to push through the long days and nights. What a blessing that he has this time with his children. Next month, he will watch (by video) all three graduate:  Miles from Brandeis University, Bailey from Bellaire High School and Emery from the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

Many of you are aware of the skyrocketing costs associated with David’s need for round-the-clock skilled nursing care.  Although he is receiving some Medicaid help (well after a year from applying), the benefits don’t come close to covering the expenses.

Additional financial support is needed.  If you can help, now is the time.

Thank you for standing with David and his family in all the ways you have.  Please keep sending text messages to David!  Like your friendship, they sustain him!

 - Michael Rubenstein

P.S.  This video clip from the Gatlin event is worth watching again.  And again.

(Previous Update from Nov. '23)
Our dear friend, David Goldstein, is a remarkable man.  

 

He is infinitely dedicated to Miles, Emery, Bailey and Janis. David HAS so many friends because he IS a spectacular friend, always looking for ways to give to others.  

 

For decades, David has served in top-level positions for so many important organizations in our Community, including the Emery Weiner School (Immediate Past Board Chair), Holocaust Museum-Houston, ERJCC, AIDS Foundation Houston, Jewish Federation, ADL, AJC and Congregations Beth Yeshurun and Emanu El.  

 

Sadly, over a year ago, David received an unimaginable and life-changing diagnosis - ALS (“Lou Gehrig’s Disease”).  

Since then, David has gone from walking with a limp, to being confined to a wheelchair, to now only being able to blink his eyes and smile, but having no other voluntary bodily movements. 

David's mind, however, has not slowed one bit. As horrific as all of this is, David remarkably has maintained his zest for life, family, and friends. He still has his silly, self-deprecating sense of humor, and courage unlike anyone we have ever known. 

Throughout this horrific journey, David has always tried to comfort others, saying "Don't worry about me. I'm the luckiest guy you've ever known." 

A year ago, David only needed regular home healthcare during waking hours. Now, with no voice nor movement, a tracheostomy, ventilator, and feeding tube, he needs skilled 24-hour nursing care. 

A year ago, the cost of David's care was about $2,000/week. Now, it's up to $7,000/week. 

We have already raised $405,000 over the past year to maintain David’s comfort and dignity.  Substantially all of these funds have been spent on David's care since his diagnosis. Our goal is to raise another $200,000 or so for his care going forward. 

We would be so grateful for any gift you could make, large or small. 

 

Please click on the “Donate” button to make a gift.  

 

Also, please click on the “Share" button to share the link by posting it to your FaceBook, LinkedIn or other social media platforms.  

Thank you so very much for caring.