August Community Events

With the lifting of restrictions in Alberta over the summer, we were blessed to have a number of community events held as fundraisers for the Society.

Streetside Developments Donation

Debbie Ironside, a long-time employee of Streetside Developments, has been personally touched by ALS. Her friend Maryann Burhof passed away in 2020 from the disease, leaving behind her husband Mike and son Cody, who were supported by the Society during Maryann’s illness. As such, when parent company Qualico was conducting its Acts of Kindness Campaign that provides support to charities with $1000 donations, she advocated for the ALS Society of Alberta. We were so pleased to welcome Debbie, Mike and Cody at the office earlier this summer, and are so very grateful for the $1000 donation. Thank you Debbie for your compassion and for thinking of us.

Howard Smith Memorial Team Roping Competition

The 20th annual Howard Smith Memorial Team Roping event was held on August 22nd, and we were so happy to attend. The Smith family has held this event since 2002, and with the help of the grandchildren and great grandchildren, the event will continue Howard’s legacy. As last year's roping was sadly cancelled due to Covid, they made sure this year was one of their biggest events. Over 70 ropers competed for the coveted prizes, and over $6500 was raised! It is a wonderful family event, well supported by the community.

A big thank you to the Smith family for your amazing support of families affected by ALS in Alberta for the past 20 years.

Crash-It Golf Tournament

The Committee of the Crash-it Golf Tournament came by to present us with a cheque from their event in late August, and also have a quick tour of our equipment facility. Their tournament welcomed 144 golfers and raised $17,500 for the ALS Society of Alberta, an unbelievable show of generosity.  This amazing group of volunteers come together every year to host a golf tournament for their associates and raise funds for charities. This year they chose the ALS Society of Alberta to honour of one of their committee members personally touched by ALS.  

They truly represent the amazing community in Calgary that gives so much. Thank you so very much to the committee and all participants - this makes a huge impact on all those living with ALS in Alberta.

Committee

• Emile Fremont - Lordco Auto Parts

• Phil Jennings - Uniparts OEM

• Scott Lavery - CSN Collision Centres 

• Brady Chattington - CSN Image Auto Body

• Mark Sturby - Superior Paint and Body

• James Grant - Carter Cadillac

Belt Buckle Sponsor - Crooked Horn Canadian Junior Rodeo Finals

We were so proud to be represented by Todd Bertamini at the Crooked Horn Canadian Junior Rodeo Finals this summer! He presented the Buckle to the Season Leader for Junior Barrels to Braidy Meston, on behalf of the ALS Society of Alberta. Thank you Todd for your involvement in allowing us to sponsor this buckle, and congratulations Braidy!

September 2021: 50/50 Raffle!

It’s back!!
Our 50/50 in June was so successful that we are holding another one on September 30th! Last round sold out in a matter of a week, with the winner taking home the maximum cash prize of $10,000. We expect the same this time so get your tickets early for the chance to win! Funds raised support Albertans living with ALS and their families. Click here and share with your friends and family.

Survey: Covid-19 Affected Alberta Family Caregivers. What Is Happening In 2021?

Are you a family caregiver living in Alberta? Do you care for  someone living with you, in their own community home, in a lodge, supportive living, or long-term care  Please help us understand the  work that family caregivers do and the impact of COVID-19 on your wellbeing by completing this survey?  It will be open until August 31, 2021.

Survey: COVID-19 Affected Alberta Family Caregivers. What is happening now in 2021? [Pro00097996].

Dr Jasneet Parmar from the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta  and her research team would like to understand:

1.      The impacts of the COVID19 on Alberta family caregivers  and

2.      What supports family caregivers need to help them care and maintain their own wellbeing as we move forward beyond the COVID-19 pandemic [Pro00097996].

The survey will take about 20 minutes of your time https://redcap.link/caregiver2021

Making it Possible Day 30 - The Thom Family

On the last day of ALS Awareness month, we are grateful to have Adam Thom, a filmmaker, tell his family’s ALS story.

This honest and raw video shares his feelings and experience of losing his father to ALS at a young age.

Thank you Adam, for sharing this with all of us.

Making it Possible Day 29 - Trevor Bradshaw

My name is Trevor Bradshaw and I am proud to be called the Ambassador for the Red Deer Walk for ALS for 2021.

I was diagnosed with ALS in July 2019, but looking back, the symptoms presented themselves much earlier. I was riding my beloved Triumph motorcycle when a deer hit me. My left leg became numb. Thinking it was a result of the accident and hard work my back had endured over the years, we thought it was a pinched nerve. Then my energy level and physical strength became very weak. I couldn’t accomplish what I used o during a work day. It took one more year before my diagnosis through the ALS Clinic in Calgary. I was 62 years old.

I was a heavy duty mechanic with Finning for 14 years then started a construction company and gravel pit. The work was very physical but I enjoyed it immensely. Customers became lifelong friends. After the diagnosis, I began selling off equipment and focused on spending time with my family and friends.

Before COVID, I got to travel to Arizona, doing a motorcycle trip with friends. Took my family to Nova Scotia and an incredible trip to Iceland. Exploring Banff, Jasper and Cypress Hills has also allowed family time. But just enjoying coffee or happy hour with friends and family is equally important to me.

I have met this illness with a sense of humour, courage and determination. Having the support of the ALS Society and Clinic has been exceptional. You only have to mention an issue, and it is quickly resolved. They have installed lifts in our home and various medical equipment which will allow me to stay in our home longer.

With this support, I have been able to spend my energy on living life to the fullest and what means the most to me. Please support this worthwhile cause to help end ALS.

Making it Possible Day 28 - Lorne McCree

My ALS limb onset diagnosis came in June 2019. Symptoms started in the early spring of 2018. During my regular gym exercising my weightlifting protocol was subtly becoming more difficult, particularly exercises involving my legs. In the early summer of 2018 while speed walking on the gym track, suddenly my right foot was not working properly. Continuing that exercise in the normal fashion was not possible. At the time I blamed it on my new shoes.

During the course of 2018 balance issues became a problem and my right leg was not allowing me to walk normally. It became difficult using stairs and to stand up without leaning against a wall or using handrails.

We lived in a two storey house and decided to move to a bungalow. The move was made in September 2019.

As things progressed my family doctor did not have a diagnosis. She referred me to a neurologist. In January 2019 the neurologist performed nerve conduction tests, the results of which were normal. She arranged for an MRI which was done in May 2019. By this time my ability to walk needed a cane. More testing was done and then referral to the Kaye Clinic was made. My appointment was in June 2019. More nerve conduction testing was done and the result was the diagnosis of ALS. This was the beginning of my relationship with the neurologist and the Kaye Clinic. It was also at this point information about the ALS society was given to me. My registration with the society happened in July.

My wife and I have six grandchildren, two in Fort McMurray, two in Grande Prairie, and two in Saskatoon. It really goes without saying what our passion is, but we love our grandchildren. In order to see our grandchildren on a regular basis we traveled a lot, but that is what we liked to do. Also another passion of ours was visiting the Temple Garden Spa in Moose Jaw, Sask every year, twice a year .

My other passion was my work. My love of airplanes had me working at the airport of a diamond mine in the NWT. My primary role was directing aircraft landing at and taking off from the airport. Sometimes it could get busy because getting in and out the mine could only be done by air. There are no roads.

My diagnosis resulted in my last tour of duty at the mine in 2019. Our last visits to see our grandchildren, and visit to the Spa, were in the early winter of 2020. By this time climbing stairs and long drives were a challenge because of a lack of energy and poor mobility. Now our grandchildren visit us, unfortunately hampered by Covid, but they do the travelling now.

My new passion is playing scrabble on facebook with my mom, my sisters, my brother, sister-in-law, and other friends. Another passion is Facetime with my grandchildren when they are not visiting.

My wife has become my primary caregiver. Her role has become progressively more work. My oldest son initially moved to Edmonton to provide assistance. My three other sons are very supportive and as time has gone on they visit regularly to help out. My brother built a wheel chair ramp in my garage which now allows me to get out of the house because using stairs is not a possibility any more.

Support from the ALS Society has been phenomenal. The support provided has been beyond my expectations. They are always willing to discuss my issues and always ready to help resolve my issues. They have provided every piece of equipment needed to help me live my best. Wheelchair is my exclusive method of mobility now. The ALS society arranged for ceiling lift tracks installed in my living room, bathroom, and bedroom in order to get in and out of the wheelchair.

Another important thing they do is contact me regularly to see how I’m doing and offer more help if it’s needed. It has been outstanding service provided by outstanding and caring people. Something very special about them is the coordination of `coffee group’ meetings on zoom. This has allowed me to make contact with other people with the same condition. This is a positive aspect for my life and my deepest and sincerest thanks go out to the society.

Support also comes from AHS, AADL, and the Kaye Clinic. In early 2020 breathing while lying on my back was a challenge. The clinic arranged for me to get a BiPAP. The Kaye Clinic also stays in contact with me and offer any help if needed.

My own research into ALS led me to join two facebook groups, Whole body healing for ALS and ALS Natural Healing (Holistic) and an international online organization, HealingALS.org. This research also led me to develop a treatment plan. This plan includes a supplement protocol involving numerous supplements, a program involving acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage therapy, iv therapy, removing mercury fillings from my teeth and removing teeth that had root canals.

There is no way of knowing for sure if any of the plan has helped but it worth trying at least until the medical community, with their now exhaustive research around the world, can find a cure. Riluzole was part of my treatment plan for a year but uncomfortable side effects forced me to stop.

At the beginning of my diagnosis I was involved in a drug trial. The drug was pimozide.

My plan for the future is to never give up! My attitude is positive and I surround myself with positive people. Stress reduction is very important as well as elimination of anger.

I recently received this quote from a friend of mine. It is so appropriate.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas Edison

Making it Possible Day 27 - Pam's Story

Living With ALS - Pam’s Story – A Digital Story by Mike Lang

Pam Keenan, new ALS Society of Alberta Board Member, shares the story of her husband Chad’s ALS journey all through the eyes of our talented friend, Mike Lang.

”Mike has worked with hundreds of patients, family members and health care providers, from across all injury and illness groups, to help them create short 3 min Digital Stories of their experiences.”

Please take a moment to watch to Pam’s Story. Her family’s raw and honest story is one that will move you in so many ways. Thank you, Pam, for sharing it.

#MIP #MakingItPossible

Making it Possible Day 25 - Sylvia Tensfeldt

"They" say that if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Sometimes life has felt like I have been required to make lemonade, lemon chiffon pie, lemon pound cake, lemon squares ... When the diagnosis of ALS was received, it felt as if a lemon landslide had occurred and I had run out of inventive ideas to deal with the problem and frankly, I was sick of lemons. Unfortunately, the lemons had landed and there was no alternative but to accept the situation and know that there would be more lemons to deal with in the future. As a single mother and sole proprietor, having always done things by my own handiwork, I thought I might have to deal with this all on my own

and the thought was daunting.

But as I stepped back from the thoughts that this was all bad, I did become aware that you can rely on others in your "universe" who would lend a hand, even if it was only to help consume some of the lemonade, lemon pies, lemon cakes etc.

They could even suggest more uses for lemons or come play with you in the lemons. Who thought it possible? The truth is, that it does take a village to help navigate all the channels that come with any difficult diagnosis because we do not have all the answers or recipes ourselves.

My stitching has always been a meditative process for me and I wished to try to give back in some way to the Society who has been there to help. I have found as this particular project has progressed, that I have more helpers out there than even I have appreciated and I hope upon its completion their generosity will have been properly honoured and that whomsoever takes ownership of the project will see that it takes many to make it work for all of us. Afterall, could

you imagine a world without lemons? Think of the bland seafood, the boring desserts and the unrefreshed atmosphere ...

- Sylvia

Sylvia has graciously started her own very successful fundraiser for the ALS Society of Alberta, “It Takes A Village”. So far she has raised just under $9000 (and counting…)

Here’s how it works:

Visit : https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=349736

For a donation of $250 + you can choose one of the options and have your name/initials or company name/initials added into the art piece

Choose a building/structure from “Sylvia’s List”

All donations, no matter the amount are accepted (and Sylvia is VERY thankful)

There’s only a few spots left! Once the piece is finished, we will be auctioning off the art. All proceeds will go to the ALS Society of Alberta to help families living with or affected by ALS right here in Alberta.

Making it Possible Day 24 - Ariella Mihova

My mom, Gail Rauw, was diagnosed with ALS in July of 2018. She (“Nana”) had 6 beautiful grandchildren, whom she cherished. One of her granddaughters (my daughter), Ariella, was inspired to make a difference by raising both awareness and money for the ALS society. For Ariella’s 6th birthday (March 2019), she asked for donations in place of birthday gifts and raised over $630. For Ariella’s 8th birthday (March of this year), she once again asked for donations, and celebrated with a virtual painting party with friends (her Nana was a talented painter). Sadly, her Nana passed away that day. Ariella continued her advocacy mission, and reached out to the ALS society to support her endeavour. They quickly provided books, balloons, and bracelets, which Ariella brought to her class and distributed. She also started an “ALS club” for any classmates who wanted to know more about ALS. Ariella’s love for her Nana shines bright in many aspects of her life, and she is motivated to spread awareness of ALS.

My mom was an absolutely amazing grandma, mother, wife and friend. We miss her tremendously. We are so grateful for the support we received from the ALS society throughout her illness, as well as the support we continue to receive.

Making it Possible Day 23 - Belle DeZutter

Belle DeZutter – A Digital Story by Mike Lang

Build Community. Discover Wisdom. Inspire Change.

The 2021 Edmonton Walk To End ALS Ambassador let's us in on how her ALS story began, how she has dealt with the diagnosis, and her life since, all through the eyes of our talented friend, Mike Lang.

”Mike has worked with hundreds of patients, family members and health care providers, from across all injury and illness groups, to help them create short 3 min Digital Stories of their experiences.”

Please take a moment to watch to Belle’s Story.

#MIP #MakingItPossible

https://youtu.be/b9hGoFnwZBA

Making it Possible Day 22 - Friends of Southpark Cove

One of our lovely clients, Christine, was able to be a part of a beautiful community in Stony Plain, Alberta. This community, Southpark Cove, truly embraced Christine during her illness by surrounding her with positivity, fun and comfort.

Recently, our dear friend Christine passed away. The staff of Southpark Cove immediately reached out to us, looking for a way to honour her life. Staff, tenets, family and friends all came together to raise money for the ALS Society of Alberta in her memory, but that wasn’t all. They asked the Society to create a framed memorial piece for the entertainment room of their complex, the same room Christine spent so many days enjoying the company of everyone at Southpark Cove.

Christy was able to visit Southpark Cove just last week to accept the donation and drop off the new memorial.

Thank you Southpark Cove for providing such a positive environment and for being a wonderful group of friends.

Making it Possible Day 21 - Tanis Meginbir: Devil's Head Coffee

Growing up with my brother, Chad, was a great adventure. He would push the limits on activities, make anyone smile with his goofy humor or be a shoulder to cry on. He had a heart of gold and would make lasting memories with anyone he met.

My parents would joke that on holidays the first thing we needed to do was find out where the nearest hospital was. There was always a good chance we would be spending time there due to Chad’s love of exploration and how “clumsy” he was.

As we grew older, Chad was my biggest fan. Being 8 years apart, he was my support system, a true “big brother” (especially being 6’4”) and was always there to make me smile or calm my nerves during uncertain times. In 2017 my husband, Chris, and I took a risk and decided to open our own business, Devil’s Head Coffee Roasters Ltd. Chad and his wife Pam were always there for us to test ideas with; problem solve and were interested and supportive in our new venture, even though he did not like coffee.

When Chad shared his ALS diagnosis to us, it was a shock. I still remember the day sitting on my couch in 2018 and listening to the news while holding my young son. Chad was strong, but I could see he was still processing the news himself. But in typical Chad fashion he made us smile, laugh, and promise to live life to the fullest with him. We agreed to be adventurous, make every moment count and spend as much time together as we could. We made lasting memories that I will always remember. Chad will continue to inspire me throughout my life to always find the joy, even during difficult times.

Making It Possible Day 20 - Allan Simon

Me and My ALS

My first inkling that something was wrong was in the fall of 2018. My voice had become gravelly and I seemed to constantly have phlegm in my mouth and throat. Then in the winter I began to limp slightly although I had no pain. I called my family doctor who suspected I might have suffered a slight stroke. So I went to the emergency department at Foothills; they quickly ruled out stroke and called in a neurologist. Right away, I knew. Of course the neurologists are very careful before issuing a diagnosis – they finally did so in August – but I knew.

Since then, my disease has followed the predictable path: as I write this in April of 2021, I have completely lost the ability to speak. I can drag myself a few steps with the help of a walker, but I have fallen a few times. I have trouble chewing and swallowing my food. My breathing and my upper body functions have so far been only slightly affected, but of course I realize it's a matter of when, not if, these too will fail me.

Reading this, you might think that I am miserable. In fact I'm not. I am 75 years old, and I have carried the ALS gene all my life, without knowing. For many people with this gene, the disease manifests itself at a much younger age. If my fairy godmother had said to me when I was 50 “Buddy, I'm sorry but you have ALS. But, you know what, I'll give you another 25 years so you can see your children grow up and establish their own families and careers, so you can enjoy your grandchildren,so you can travel the world with your wife who you love so much, so you can find enjoyment and recognition in all aspects of your life, how about it?” I would have gratefully accepted!

I am actually lucky that the covid restrictions have coincided with my illness: I can participate in the meetings of my fraternal organization and I can play duplicate bridge with my friends because these happen online. If there were no covid, I would be cut off from these activities.

My condition has been immeasurably alleviated by the support of my wife Meredith, my children Nycole and Roland and my granddaughters Jillian and Jessica. I would be remiss if I didn't especially thank the ALS Society of Alberta and the Alberta Home Care program. They have both been amazing, not only supplying me with things like a wheelchair, a walker, a transfer bench, an iPad with the “Predictable” program and many other aids, but doing so in a friendly and unbureaucratic manner – they never let me feel like I'm imposing, although I must be!

One photograph shows Meredith, me, Mikael Backlund, Roland and his partner Allison at a Flames game. I am very grateful to Mikael for making this possible,we had a great time. The other has me on Beechey Island in Nunavut, a stopover on our cruise through the Northwest Passage, which had always been a dream of mine.

Making it Possible Day 19 - KIDCO

In 2007, Ken Renton from Kidco Construction responded to the need for support of families in Alberta affected by ALS. Mr. Renton immediately got behind Betty’s Run for ALS.

Every year since then, the Renton family has quietly supported the cause in addition to many charities. They have given more than $150,000 to support families living with ALS and fund much needed research here in Alberta.

Even after Mr. Renton retired, his daughter Danielle continued to support the cause and participate in the Run. They invite their entire staff to participate on the day of Betty’s Run.

The Renton family represent what community is about in Calgary. Giving back to the community has always been Kidco’s philosophy.

Thank you to Kidco for making is possible for Albertans affected by ALS.

Making it Possible Day 18 - Board of Directors

Today for our Making it Possible series, we would like to recognize the dedicated members of the ALS Society of Alberta Board of Directors.

Thank you to the ALS Society of Alberta Board of Directors, for leading the Society to provide the best possible supports for our families across Alberta and fund ground-breaking ALS research.

Our incredible leaders, Nancy Lyzaniwski, Cathy Martin, Gord Banting, Tara Pentney, Heather Haddow, Jim Robinson, Kimberly Howard and Pamela Keenan.

This incredible group of leaders led our Society through the last year, dealing with a pandemic that shook the world. Their constant and unwavering support was there to ensure we continued to make each day the best possible day for our families affected by ALS. All having been personally touched by ALS, their commitment to the cause is unwavering.

We are so thankful for their service – in the words of Margaret Mead…

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Making It Possible Day 17 - Bernie Ward

Bernie Ward was diagnosed with Kennedy’s Disease in 2006, after noticing changes in his speech. The ALS Society and the support groups have been a great support for Bernie, especially during Covid with the move to virtual meetings, allowing him to participate more regularly. Bernie has shared his Making it Possible story via video, please watch it here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTjFBT8cFnE

Making It Possible Day 16 - Norma & Wayne Erickson

Wayne Erickson was diagnosed with ALS in 2012. During his diagnosis Wayne was known to share his personal experiences with those around him, teaching students and care staff about ALS and the needs of an ALS patient. He was the kind of person who always wanted to help, he was always able to be open and honest about his situation and his needs, making things very easy for Wayne’s caregivers to help him. If you asked any of the caretakers that worked with Wayne over the years to describe him, you would hear the same sentiment, “never grumpy, always the first to offer a solution”.

Wayne was a gifted artist, and photography is what he loved to do. If you were to take a look around the home of Wayne and his wife (Norma Erickson), you would see an array of beautiful wildlife photography, proudly framed and displayed on the walls for everyone to enjoy. One photo in particular, the snowy owl, became a bit of a symbol for Wayne and for the ALS Society of Alberta. The snowy owl represents freedom and flying high, something our families can surely relate too.

Norma, is also an artist and dedicated to her work. Norma has been quilting for over 35 years and has been making beautiful quilts for the WALKS to End ALS since 2015. In 2019 after hours and hours of hard work, the Eagle quilt was born, this amazing quilt was inspired by Wayne. Norma continues to keep Wayne’s legacy alive with her love of quilting. Each year, she creates a beautiful new piece for us during event season, to raise money for people living with and affected by ALS. Earlier this month, we were lucky enough to raffle off not just one, but TWO of Norma’s beautiful creations, aptly named, “The Twins”.

Making It Possible Day 15 - Edana Gust

My name is Edana Gust.  When I was diagnosed with ALS on April 1, 2019, I told the doctor that it was April Fool’s Day and I was hoping he was joking.  He assured me it was no joke.  My husband Doug and I were just numb from the diagnosis.  I’ll provide a little background on how we arrived at the diagnosis.  A year or so earlier, I had noticed some discomfort with my right knee, and we started a process to find out what was happening.  The consensus was that it was osteoarthritis, but nothing seemed to be helping and my mobility and balance were beginning to suffer.  In December 2018, my voice changed and there was concern that perhaps I had suffered a stroke.  All the tests for heart conditions came back negative so I was referred to a neurologist.  After a CT scan and MRI, I was scheduled for an EMG on April 1 and the diagnosis of ALS was made. 

The next month can be described as a grieving process where we wrestled with the reality of the diagnosis and came to grips with what the future might hold for us.  Life is a journey, we don’t get to pick what’s placed in path, but we can choose how respond to the unexpected.  Fortunately I didn’t have to wait long until I was able to attend my first ALS Clinic where I was able to meet the amazing resources dedicated to supporting those living with ALS.  I met Michelle with the ALS Society shortly thereafter Rob came for a visit.

We were living in a two-story house and owned a bungalow style condominium that we had as a rental property.  We began plans to renovate the condo and make it “wheelchair accessible”.  What a blessing to eliminate stairs and have everything on one level!  The ALS society provided a porch lift, a scooter, and a walker, so I had my mobility back!

My speech continued to deteriorate, and I met the speech therapist with ACETS to began learning the fine points on use of speech devices.  I now have my speech device and know how to teach it my favorite phrases.

I have been blessed with incredible support from friends and family and we keep in touch through zoom and “socially distanced” visits.  I am thankful that I can continue to knit and crochet.  In 2020, I set a goal of knitting 20+ sets of toques and scarves for my brother to give as Christmas gifts.  I started them in July and completed them by September.  I then began a quest to complete an afghan for each of my nieces and nephews.  The first 20 were complete in time for Christmas.  The next twelve are now complete.  In the midst of the afghan project, I did 7 baby blankets for the new additions to the family, and 40 preemie hats.

I am grateful for the ALS Society and the support they continue to provide.  It was wonderful to be asked to share my story.

Making It Possible Day 14 - Stephen Fairley

Stephen and Sharon

One morning in November 2019 we were having coffee in bed and Stephen did not feel up to going to a retiree’s luncheon so I found a picture of a puppy that was available and we agreed to drive to Red Deer and interview this pup.  Little did we know this was the onset of Stephen’s ALS and the beginning of a love affair with little Patch.  Although Stephen’s breathing continued to deteriorate finally resulting in an ICU admission December 26 and eventual diagnosis of respiratory onset ALS in March 2020 Patch provided such joy to our lives.  Stephen smiled more than in our previous 35 years of marriage.  Since then, the ALS Clinic and the ALS Society, and in particular, Michelle, have provided such unwavering positivity and support.  Of course COVID has impacted everyone but it terrified us with Stephen’s difficulty breathing.  The ALS Society providing Stephen with a motorized scooter enabled him to go on walks with Patch and I.  This way we were able to still greet neighbours and enjoy the outdoors.  Since then, we have been incredibly grateful for all of the various assistive aids provided by the ALS Society that have enabled Stephen to continue living at home.  We have also found lots of pleasure in reading the Louise Penny Inspector Gamashe series aloud.  It is delightful to be reading a series located in Canada by such an extraordinary author.

June 2021 Newsletter

Our June newsletter is out, with details on all of the activities for ALS Awareness Month!

Check it out here: