"Coming into this, [Jeremy] was like, 'I love these kids,'" Leah told In Touch Weekly in a January 23 interview. "He was so willing to take them on but I don't think he understood how serious Ali's condition was when he came into our lives … I think it's brought us closer and I think he looks up to me for having the strength that I've had."
At the time that Leah and Jeremy first began dating, it was thought that Ali was progressing and would soon catch up to her sister. Unfortunately, in June of last year, the family discovered that that was not the case and that Ali was actually getting worse and would eventually be in a wheelchair.
Because of the ongoing doctors visits, therapy, and other appointments, Leah and Jeremy have had some sizable bills, and it hasn't been easy dealing with the financial strain.
"Financially, it has definitely taken a toll," Leah admitted. "One of Ali's medical bills alone was $20,000, so it doesn't matter how much money you make."
Currently, Jeremy is working as a pipe layer and while he makes a reported $19,000 per month, it doesn't come easy and Jeremy is often away from Leah and the family for weeks at a time. Last year, he had to work in New Mexico while the family stayed back home in West Virginia.
Because of their time apart, Leah often feels that there isn't a great balance, but says Jeremy is working on his juggling act.
"He's learning how to give work what they need and also give his family what they need," she explained. "We love each other unconditionally. There's no one else I could call my best friend, and that's really the key to the family."
source gather.com