50/50 Cash Raffles are Back!

We know that you enjoyed our 50/50 raffles in 2021, and we are hosting two in conjunction with our upcoming events in Alberta during ALS Awareness Month! There is one coinciding with Betty's Run for ALS in Calgary, and another with of our Walk Together for ALS events across the province. Not to stoke the battle of Alberta fire... but let's see which sells out first! Cash prizes will be 50% of total ticket sales, up to a maximum of $10,000 per raffle. All of our previous 50/50s have sold out with the maximum cash prize awarded to a lucky winner.

Winning tickets will be drawn on June 13th. Funds raised go towards our support of Albertans living with ALS. Get your tickets now to support a great cause, and for your chance to WIN!

Walk Together for ALS:

https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/walktogether

Betty’s Run for ALS:

https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/bettysrun

The ALS Run for the Cure - Delburne, AB

Coraleen (aka Corky) Jones is a force of nature. A barrel racer with the empathy and energy of ten people, she is loyal to and passionate about her community of Delburne. These traits were evident when Corky and co-host Laurie Bresee recently organized the massively successful ALS Run for the Cure Barrel Racing event at the Delburne Agriplex, raising $24,575 for the ALS Society of Alberta.

Corky was initially inspired to host this event by neighbour Lyle Craig, who was diagnosed with ALS this past year. The disease has tragically been part of the Craig family, and Lyle is the fifth member of the family to be diagnosed. On top of that, there are many other families from this small community and area that have also been affected. The impact of this disease on so many people in her community, and watching how it affects those families, lit even more of a flame to make this idea a reality.

With Covid rules loosened, Corky felt the timing was right for an event to bring ALS to the forefront with a charitable effort in honour of the Craig family. And in doing so, she discovered that many others in her world even outside of Delburne have also been touched by ALS. This expanded circle all wanted to help in any way they could, to raise awareness about ALS and funds for the ALS Society of Alberta.

Buoyed by this support from the Craig family and local ALS Community members, Corky and Laurie put together a spectacular event. 130 barrel racers, almost 100 silent auction items, ALS hats and buffs, candy apples, baked goods… It was an epic event, full of so many wonderful people all there in support of ALS and fundraising. And following two years of Covid restrictions, it was an opportunity for the people of Delburne to gather at the rink, see neighbours they hadn’t seen in a long time, and come together to support one of their own. As Corky says, “It was kind of a perfect storm in regards to timing, and ended up being such a feel good day for everyone. It’s what we do in Delburne – we take care of each other. If someone needs help, we help them. Barrel racers too, we are all part of western heritage and everyone just steps up.”

There were many highlights that day, but for most in attendance their favourite moment was Lyle’s son Jason, who is severely allergic to horses and has never ridden, putting himself out there in front of all his family and friends and doing a timed barrel race – guesses were made on how long it would take, and whether he would manage to complete the course properly. Donations made in honour of Jason’s ride totaled over $1200.

Many moments in Delburne brought tears to our eyes… it was a sense of community not felt for a very long time, due to Covid and the lack of events. Our ALS Society staff was incredibly moved by this event, and the people we got to meet. Thank you to Corky, Laurie, the Craig family, and everyone else that spent so much time and energy putting this day together. We can’t thank you enough.

The Return of Events! Dueling Pianos in Drayton Valley

The incredible Drayton Valley Walk Coordinators, along with their dedicated volunteers, hosted one of the first big fundraising events of the season (and in fact since 2020) in support of the ALS Society of Alberta. The Dueling Pianos event held at the MacKenzie Centre on April 9, 2022 was a massive success, raising over $25,000 to support the ALS Society and those living with ALS in our communities.

This dedicated team is made up of sisters Melanie and Marcie Pruden, cousin Kayla Leeder, and Nicole Tymchak, longtime family friend (aka the “third daughter”). These women have been dedicated event planners and fundraisers for the past five years, following the passing of their mom and aunt, Audrey, from ALS in 2016. In addition to planning the annual Drayton Valley Walk Together for ALS event, this team of women started the Dueling Pianos in 2019, and it has become a much-anticipated event in the community. This year, it was sold out with nearly 400 people in attendance, featuring a 5-hour continuous performance by Tim Cotton and Kelly Alaina from Court Jesters Dueling Pianos, and special guest Sean Sonego.

The event featured not just live music, but a silent auction, a raffle for a wheelbarrow full of beverages; catering supplied by the White Bull Café; and a slideshow to help raise awareness and educate attendees about ALS. The generosity of many sponsors made the event a success, and we are so very thankful for all of their support.

Audrey loved to cook and entertain, so the team was adamant not to run out of anything throughout the night. Nicole says that they know Audrey was proud of what they accomplished because when they were driving home, they saw the Northern Lights which they have always believed is Audrey dancing in the sky with their Grandpa Hubert.

We are so grateful for this determined team of women and the amazing work that they do in memory of Audrey – thank you Nicole, Melanie, Marcie and Kayla – we can’t wait to see you at the Drayton Walk on June 18th!

The 2022 Edmonton Walk Together for ALS Ambassador - Dennis Rommel

My name is Dennis Rommel, and I am humbled and honoured to be chosen as Ambassador for the 2022 Walk Together for ALS event taking place in Edmonton on June 11.
 

I was diagnosed with ALS in December of 2020. I had been experiencing symptoms for three to four years. In September 2017, my mobility became quite challenged, and I went on long-term disability before retiring in the fall of 2019.

After a fall at home, I spent three weeks at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in November 2020 and underwent many tests. I was originally told I may have PLS (Primary Lateral Sclerosis). I had my first appointment at the ALS clinic on December 1, 2020. During that first appointment, my diagnosis was changed to ALS. It came as a huge shock when I first heard those words. December 1 is also my wedding anniversary to my wife, Lorna, of 42 years.

My main support system is my family. They have been great on a daily basis and always available to talk or just listen. I’ve also been connected with a support group where I’ve met so many wonderful people that are going through similar challenges. The ALS Society has given me so much support, as well. The mobility aids I’ve been provided with have improved my daily life significantly.

I’m looking forward to the walk on June 11, and I hope that people will consider supporting the ALS Society of Alberta.  I am extremely grateful for the ALS society and all that they have done for me and my family since my diagnosis.  They have made this extremely difficult time so much easier.  In closing, I have a quote to share from a book I’ve been reading “Perspectives – 17 things I learned about living your best life while battling a terminal illness” by Wayne Thomas:

“One day at a time – that is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone, and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering. Happiness is a journey, just as life is. Enjoy the ride.”

The 2022 Betty's Run for ALS Ambassador - Neill Fearnley

I am honoured to be Ambassador for the 2022 Betty’s Run for ALS, especially as we all anticipate coming together in community after two years of virtual events. While I have not been a client of the ALS Society of Alberta for very long, one thing which really strikes a chord with me is, that sense of community and togetherness those of us living with ALS in Alberta feel. And to have been chosen as Ambassador in the year that gathering again means so much – it’s a true privilege.

ALS affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and career paths.  I have had the pleasure of working in the film and television industry as a director and producer, living back and forth between Calgary and Vancouver for years. When COVID hit, the film I was working on shut down and my wife Karen and I decided to hunker down in Calgary. However, in May of 2020 and just two months into the pandemic I started to notice that something wasn’t quite right. I developed a drop foot and other mobility issues, and the months of tests began. Like so many, I went through the process of eliminating everything else we thought it might be – neuropathy, post-polio syndrome, MS and other diseases. But in August of 2021, while I was back on the coast working on a TV series, the ALS diagnosis was confirmed at the Clinic in Vancouver.

At that point, we decided that living primarily in one province would be a good decision, and after I finished the project I was working on we sold our place in Vancouver. We had our first appointment at the Clinic in South Calgary, and that’s when Michelle Savard entered our lives, and I was introduced to everything that the ALS Society of Alberta could offer our family.

While I am still quite new to the Society, I have been so impressed and touched by everything that is offered. I know the Equipment Loan Program is incredibly important, but what has really affected me at this point in my diagnosis are the connections that the Society provides. And especially after two years living through a pandemic, I am reminded how truly important is the need for human connection. The support groups, with whom I’ve met virtually, provide so much knowledge and assistance from others going through the same thing. I have most appreciated hearing other people’s experiences and perspectives. At the Society, everyone is open and communicative, wanting to help and provide as much knowledge and support as possible. ALS can be a disease of isolation, especially in recent times. But the ALS Society of Alberta has provided that human connection through it all, and that is perhaps what I appreciate most.

While all our stories are so very different, we are never-the-less connected through our journey with ALS.  This will be my first Betty’s Run for ALS, and I am so very much looking forward to the Calgary ALS community coming together again for the first time in over two years to share those stories once more in person, on June 12th.

visit bettysrun.ca for more information

A Tale of Two Chairs...

Sometimes amongst the day-to-day work that the Society does to help our families, we are confronted with remarkable stories that jump out at us. Two such stories have made their way through our staff recently, and we wanted to share them with you. They show, once again, how every donation made helps so many people living with ALS in this province.

The first story involves a wheelchair donated to us back in May of 2000 – over 20 years ago! This chair became a part of 15 different families’ lives, helping them or their loved ones remain mobile while living with ALS. The chair went out to 15 different clients over its 21 years with us – each time returned, cleaned and sent back out to a new family when required. This piece of equipment was removed from the loan program in October 2021, after 21 years of service to our families in Alberta, when it was deemed no longer suitable for someone with ALS.

This chair still had some life left in it though, and wasn’t ready for the scrap heap! So our Equipment Manager Trevor, pictured here, took it down to the Drop-In Centre where it is now being used by the clients there. So that chair donated in 2000, which helped at least 15 Alberta families living with ALS, is still being used to help people today. That’s the incredible difference just one donation can make.

The second story once again deals with two charities helping each other, but in this case, we were the recipient of such a donation. In January of this year we were contacted by Terry Fox Foundation volunteer Vickie Key, about a potential power wheelchair donation. A family had made a donation of an exceptional piece of equipment to The Terry Fox Foundation and she felt it would be a better fit for the ALS Society of Alberta.  Vickie was a former hospice nurse that spent years working in the community, and therefore knew very well the needs of our clients. She also knew that this chair would be of great use to many of our families as they dealt with the loss of mobility caused by ALS.  While the donating family initially wanted the chair to go to someone in the cancer community, they ultimately decided that donating it where it was most needed and would be put to good use was the best choice, and agreed with The Terry Fox Foundation’s suggestion to donate it here.

This exceptional chair, pictured below, will make such a difference to so many of our families. Thank you to our anonymous donor family, and The Terry Fox Foundation and Vickie, for recognizing what a gift this will be to our community.

Highlander Wine Giveback Sale

Cheers to the elegant Highlander Wine for supporting us with their Giveback Sale this month! As their charity partner, 50% of the proceeds from their favourite sale of the month directly support us and our ALS families. Their support is greatly appreciated!

Help support us while also treating yourself to some fantastic wine!

Find out more at:
https://highlanderwine.com/give-back-online-sale

Danny Getzlaf Christmas Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS

Our friend Danny Getzlaf is at it again, with another Ice Bucket Challenge this holiday season! The famous fundraiser is back, with a twist: no warm weather to help you recover from a freezing ice dump. Every splash and every donation mean the world to us, and many of our families.

Learn more here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-society-of-alberta/campaign/danny-getzlaf-ice-bucket-christmas/

Giving Tuesday - Making Possibilities: Mikael and Frida Backlund

Our generous friends Mikael and Frida Backlund are back for this years’ Giving Tuesday, reminding us that today is the perfect time to support your favourite causes.

If you'd like to learn more about our campaign, check out: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-society-of-alberta/campaign/giving-tuesday-2021/?fbclid=IwAR0z02K94UPJCEuVm0ndDjEmBnhtAKXCTsLdNcM-6pLmTuSl4iPVrLCNJQA

Have you or a loved one of yours benefitted from the Equipment Loan Program? Would you like to share your experience? Please send us a an email at alscommunications@alsab.ca

Giving Tuesday - Making Possibilities: Paul Dunphy

As a part of our celebration of Giving Tuesday 2021, here's a powerful client story from our very own Paul Dunphy! Paul recounts his diagnosis, and how the ALS Society of Alberta and their Equipment Loan Program helped him through this challenging time.

If you'd like to learn more about our campaign, check out: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-society-of-alberta/campaign/giving-tuesday-2021/?fbclid=IwAR0z02K94UPJCEuVm0ndDjEmBnhtAKXCTsLdNcM-6pLmTuSl4iPVrLCNJQA

Have you or a loved one of yours benefitted from the Equipment Loan Program? Would you like to share your experience? Please send us a an email at alscommunications@alsab.ca

Giving Tuesday - Making Possibilities: Marlene Darby and Rory

This year for #GivingTuesday we are featuring stories about our clients truly "Making Possibilities" with the help of our Equipment Loan Program.

If you'd like to donate or learn more about the campaign you can visit: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-society-of-alberta/campaign/giving-tuesday-2021/

Here is our story of the day. Thank you for sharing with us Marlene!

My name is Marlene and I became the caregiver for my friend, Rory, who was sadly diagnosed with ALS in March 2020. Rory was devastated by this news, didn’t want to believe it at first, couldn’t believe it and it was hard to digest.

At first Rory’s symptoms were mild but as his condition seemed to get worse too quickly. We realized that he would not be able to use the stairs to where he was staying in the basement.

The ALS Society quickly arranged for stair lifts to be installed in the house so that Rory could use them to go up/down and be on the main floor. Here he was able to use his walker, also supplied very kindly by the ALS Society to move around the house.

Rory’s condition kept getting worse and the ALS Society were again helpful in providing a smaller stair lift from the garage into the house as there were 3 stairs from the garage into the house. So that helped. As Rory’s condition worsened we realized that he would need a special bed so that he would be able to turn in it without falling out. Again, the ALS Society provided this for Rory which helped as it lifted up for him to reach the ground without falling and then went down so that he could sleep relatively comfortably. It had side rails to prevent him from falling out.

Rory’s condition kept getting worse as the months progressed and we then realized that we needed assistance with his personal grooming. The ALS Society arranged for him to get personal care aides to come to the house for his personal grooming, washing him, helping him with showers, shaving, brushing his teeth, etc. This was extremely helpful as I (Marlene) being 73 years old was not able to do all of these things for Rory.

By August, 2020, Rory was almost unable to walk and lost the muscle in his legs. This presented another problem as he was barely able to get up from each stair lift and move to the next without falling. We all realized that Rory’s situation was progressing all too fast.

The ALS Society then arranged for a beautiful uplift recliner to be provided so that Rory could now sit in this recliner and was able to bring up the recliner to the point where I could help him stand up and use his walker. This was really very helpful as I would not have been able to lift Rory out of any chair. I then started to feed Rory in his recliner as he was not able to get to the dining room table.

By November 2020, Rory had to be moved to an assisted-living (and supportive-living) home, as the ALS was progressing too fast and I was not able to provide him with the proper care he needed at home.

In November 2020, the ALS Society did the most wonderful thing for Rory; they provided him with an Electric Wheelchair!! Unbelievable. This was very, very useful as he was not able to get around using his walker any longer.

Soon, Rory’s hands became unusable as the ALS progressed and his muscles were too weak. So the electric wheelchair became a very important asset for him. He still had to be lifted in/out of the electric wheelchair but this was done by the staff at the home. Because of his ability to use the electric wheelchair, Rory was able to access the Access Calgary Transit services and was able to go out into the beautiful garden for visits with family and friends.

As a gesture for my birthday last August (2020) I did a fundraiser for the ALS Society on my Facebook page and was able to raise $250.00 which I hoped was helpful. I wish I could have raised more.

More recently, this summer (2021) Rory has been able to come home for visits on the nice summer days we have been blessed with. He was able to see his beloved cat, spend time with Marlene and his neighbours, who have been in constant touch with him throughout his stay at the home. Many have even visited Rory when they could and some even visit him, which he enjoys.

I have to say that I was absolutely surprised and so very thankful for all the kindness, support and equipment that Rory received from the ALS Society. Without their help I am not sure what we would have done, as we could never afford any of the equipment provided which helped make his life a little easier and bearable.

To date, the ALS Society continues to help Rory with equipment, and support. We are forever in their debt and hope that they are able to continue their good work which is so necessary for anyone who is going through ALS. We can’t thank you enough.

God Blessing be with you all

Marlene Darby

Have you or a loved one of yours benefitted from the Equipment Loan Program? Would you like to share your experience? Please send us an email at alscommunications@alsab.ca

Giving Tuesday - Making Possibilities: Newsletter

Here’s everything you need to know about our plans for Giving Tuesday 2021, an what you can do to help us make each day the best day for those living with or affected by ALS in Alberta.

https://conta.cc/3nSJ9kV

Giving Tuesday - Making Possibilities: Robert Corbeil

This year for #GivingTuesday we are featuring stories about our clients truly "Making Possibilities" with the help of our Equipment Loan Program.

If you'd like to donate or learn more about the campaign you can visit: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-society-of-alberta/campaign/giving-tuesday-2021/

Here is our story of the day. Thank you for sharing with us Robert!

"When I was a schoolteacher, I used to be able to use my loud voice to give physical education instructions to students across the gymnasium, in French, English and Mandarin.

Unfortunately, when I contracted a genetic form of ALS, my voice became faint and hoarse. It became totally impossible to discuss with my 93 year old dad who is hard of hearing.

When the ALS Society provided me with a voice amplifier, I not only became able to resume phone discussions with my dad, but I have also been able to sustain longer conversations with friends. The voice amplifier has contributed to keep me connected with the word around me."

Warm regards,
Robert

Have you or a loved one of yours benefitted from the Equipment Loan Program? Would you like to share your experience? Please send us an email at alscommunications@alsab.ca

Giving Tuesday - Making Possibilities: Amanda Block

"Because of the Alberta ALS Society and because of the kindness of people who have donated to it, Dale and I were able to make the very most of the time we had together. We were loaned tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment which gave my husband the ability to function the best way possible during the various stages of his journey with ALS. I am so incredibly thankful for the generosity that made it possible for him to move, communicate, eat and breathe without missing out on life and without breaking the bank. Because of this support, he was able to enjoy his time with friends as well as take several trips with our family, giving him so much pleasure and leaving us with all kinds of very precious memories. Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all those who made it possible and to those who continue to make it possible for others."

If you'd like to learn more about our campaign, check out: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-society-of-alberta/campaign/giving-tuesday-2021/?fbclid=IwAR0z02K94UPJCEuVm0ndDjEmBnhtAKXCTsLdNcM-6pLmTuSl4iPVrLCNJQA

Have you or a loved one of yours benefitted from the Equipment Loan Program? Would you like to share your experience? Please send us a an email at alscommunications@alsab.ca

Giving Tuesday - Making Possibilities: Catherine Heberle

"Here is a picture of me on my little red scooter on my way to visit friends and neighbours in our adult community. But the best of all of the equipment I have received from the ALS society is my lift. All the houses are bungalows out there are four steps from the ground level to get into the house. The first time Leslie came for an in-person visit back in early 2019 she suggested a lift to get into the house. At that time I was still quite capable of going up and down stairs, but decided to listen to Leslie and she ordered the lift to come to the house via Adapt Mobility. This lift means so much to me now as I can stay in my house and not have to move to an apartment building."

If you'd like to learn more about our campaign, check out: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-society-of-alberta/campaign/giving-tuesday-2021/?fbclid=IwAR0z02K94UPJCEuVm0ndDjEmBnhtAKXCTsLdNcM-6pLmTuSl4iPVrLCNJQA

Have you or a loved one of yours benefitted from the Equipment Loan Program? Would you like to share your experience? Please send us an email at alscommunications@alsab.ca

Giving Tuesday - Making Possibilities: Pam Keenan, A Digital Story by Mike Lang

This year for Giving Tuesday we wanted to share stories about "Making Possibilities". One of the ways many of our families are able to continue to make possibilities happen is through our Equipment Loan Program.

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.

If you'd like to learn more about our campaign, check out: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-society-of-alberta/campaign/giving-tuesday-2021/?fbclid=IwAR0z02K94UPJCEuVm0ndDjEmBnhtAKXCTsLdNcM-6pLmTuSl4iPVrLCNJQA

Have you or a loved one of yours benefitted from the Equipment Loan Program? Would you like to share your experience? Please send us an email at alscommunications@alsab.ca

Giving Tuesday - Making Possibilities: Colleen and Ritchie Olsen

Once again our friends Mikael & Frida Backlund continue to give back to our wonderful families. The Backlund's kindly treated Colleen Olson & her husband Ritchie to some of the best seats in the house at the most recent Calgary Flames home game!

It's gestures and supports like these that we want to share this year for our Giving Tuesday campaign: Making Possibilities.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful photo with us Colleen! We hope we are able to continue to create memories like these for our families.

If you'd like to learn more about our campaign, check out: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-society-of-alberta/campaign/giving-tuesday-2021/?fbclid=IwAR0z02K94UPJCEuVm0ndDjEmBnhtAKXCTsLdNcM-6pLmTuSl4iPVrLCNJQA

Have you or a loved one of yours benefitted from the Equipment Loan Program? Would you like to share your experience? Please send us an email at alscommunications@alsab.ca

Giving Tuesday - Making Possibilities: Belle DeZutter

For this Giving Tuesday story, our 2021 Edmonton Walk Ambassador Belle DeZutter shines a light on how her diagnosis progressed, and how the Equipment Loan Program has allowed her to continue on her adventures. Edited by our talented friend Mike Lang, this short video shows how Making Possibilities keeps our families happy and healthy.

If you'd like to learn more about our campaign, check out: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-society-of-alberta/campaign/giving-tuesday-2021/?fbclid=IwAR0z02K94UPJCEuVm0ndDjEmBnhtAKXCTsLdNcM-6pLmTuSl4iPVrLCNJQA

Have you or a loved one of yours benefitted from the Equipment Loan Program? Would you like to share your experience? Please send us an email at alscommunications@alsab.ca

Giving Tuesday - Making Possibilities: John Burns and Family

As we approach the Season Of Giving this year, we wanted to share a few stories with you. Each story shows just how much one gesture, act, or even a piece of equipment can really make a difference to a family living with ALS.

Near the end of October, John and his family were able to take in the action packed Flames VS. Flyers hockey game, this is something that meant the absolute world to them and wouldn’t have been possible in other circumstances. John, Yvonne, Yvette & Candice were able to sit together as a family thanks to the kind gesture of our good friends and advocates Mikael and Frida Backlund and our tremendous equipment loan program.

We hope John and his family can cherish these memories for a lifetime. We only hope we can continue to “Make Possibilities” for all of our families.

If you'd like to learn more about our campaign, check out: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-society-of-alberta/campaign/giving-tuesday-2021/?fbclid=IwAR0z02K94UPJCEuVm0ndDjEmBnhtAKXCTsLdNcM-6pLmTuSl4iPVrLCNJQA

Have you or a loved one of yours benefitted from the Equipment Loan Program? Would you like to share your experience? Please send us an email at alscommunications@alsab.ca

Betty's Run for ALS Fundraising Awards

We wanted to share the personal stories of Betty's Run for ALS's top fundraisers over the past two years, as we haven't been able to present plaques in person at the events. Please check out their stories below - thank you so much to everyone that participated and donated in 2020 and 2021. We can't wait to be together in person again next year!

2020 Top Fundraisers

Colin Davis - “My mom passed away from ALS in June 2002 and the ALS Society was a huge reason how we were able to navigate through this devastating journey. I started fundraising that year and have continued up to the present day.  This amazing event has kept me motivated to continue to try and help those suffering from this terrible disease. I have had much help and support along the way including one very generous anonymous donor who has matched me throughout my fundraising years, as well as many regular donors who continue to support the cause. As a tradition for the last 7 years I have been running with a good friend of mine named Scott who's now 76 years old (and still finishes the 8 kilometre run!). My prayers and thoughts go out to those who are suffering through ALS including their families and friends. Let's hope we will find a cure one day but for now but continue to reach out and make a difference where we can.”

Kimberly Howard - Team Heather’s Walkers - “In 2018, my mom (Heather Walker) was both diagnosed with and passed away from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Throughout this difficult journey, our family was so impressed by the care and support Mom received from the medical and professional staff at the Calgary ALS Clinic at the South Calgary Hospital, and the staff and volunteers of the ALS Society of Alberta who supported all of us along the way.

We certainly saw their mission in action and I will continue to support the ALS Society going forward.
ALS affects every patient differently, but it is commonly a physically debilitating disease and patient care often involves significant equipment and support. The ALS Society of Alberta was there with my Mom (and all of us) every step of the way. People stepped up and gave generously long before Mom was diagnosed, which allowed the ALS Society to provide the necessary supports in her journey. We fundraise in her memory to ensure that someone who just found out, or is about to find out that they have ALS, will have the support they need in their journey.”

2021 Top Fundraisers

Jane Rivest - Individual - “In early summer 1996, my dear friend Betty Norman had a gathering to which she invited her close friends. She had been diagnosed with ALS and wanted us all to know. I offered to visit Betty one day a week to help with whatever – Betty said yes! I did laundry, took Betty wherever she needed or wanted to go, and did anything that she asked me to help her with. When she needed more care, she asked me if I would like to be her caregiver – during the week – and I emotionally said yes. Betty progressed quickly so we were always having to adapt to changes.

Betty wanted to make a difference so in March 1997, a group of her family and friends met to organize the first Betty’s Run for ALS – called “This One’s for Betty.” It was held June 22, 1997. Betty was unable to attend, but she was pleased about the ALS awareness and the money raised because of the run. Sadly, Betty passed away July 6, 1997 just 2 weeks after the run.

In January 1998, I was hired by the ALS Society as the client service coordinator for Southern Alberta. Over the next 22 years, each and every person with ALS who allowed me to travel their ALS journey with them had a huge impact on my life and for this, I am sincerely humbled and will always be grateful.

When I retired in 2018, I had worked with close to 1,000 people with ALS. So, here it is – 25 years as a volunteer on the Betty’s Run committee and 1,000 people who allowed me into their lives. In honour of these wonderful people, I decided to walk 1,000 km. While I walked, I spent a lot of the time thinking of all these many people who enriched my life.” Thank you, Jane, for your years of dedication and for your astounding accomplishment to mark the 25th anniversary of Betty’s Run.

Chantel Hambrook - Team Barclay - “Two years ago, my mom and I went on a casual run when she told me the heartbreaking news. My heart stopped. It felt like a piece of my heart was now being stripped of me. My father and I have always been very close. He has always been my role model, especially in how he treats people and in his core values.

For almost two years, he hasn't been out of the house because he has lost all mobility. He now relies on a breathing machine 24/7. My mom his been his primary caregiver and works tirelessly day and night. 

We make the most of time by doing things my dad loves, whether it be reading Tom Clancy books, talking about the market, entertaining him with karaoke, or remembering great memories through pictures. There are several other families that have to experience many of the same struggles.

What we have learned:

The biggest thing we can all learn is that life is extremely precious. Make the most out of every day. Value, respect, and show love the great friends, family, co-workers, and people around you. Don’t sweat the small stuff because it really doesn’t matter. Time and life is so precious. Live it well.”