My ALS Challenge

The idea of a wheelchair used to scare me.  I used to think having to get a wheelchair would mean my mobility would be reduced as I could no longer walk.  What would be next?

Now, I am very excited!  The other day I was measured for my first wheelchair, by the Occupational Therapist at the Sunnybrook ALS Clinic, and I couldn’t wait to have my measurements taken.  I had come to realize that my mobility will be improved significantly. 

I will receive my wheelchair through the ALS Society of Canada’s Equipment Program which provides ALS patients with access to equipment and assistive devices – either on loan from their existing inventory or through funding assistance.  This is only one of the services the ALS Society of Canada provides.  It is also one of the reasons why I am doing my virtual mobility challenge fundraising campaign.

So, why the change of mind?  Over the last several months, my ability to walk has become more difficult due to the increased fatigue as a result of my ALS.  Even with the use of a cane, and a recent ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) which helps provide more stability in my right foot, I have been getting more and more tired when walking.  I stopped the walks around the block with my wife as I was getting so tired that, by the time we got home, I would need to nap for an hour.

To put this in perspective, the walk is less than 500m and would take about 30 minutes.  Why so long?  The uneven sidewalk leading to stumbles and near falls, along with the change in elevation, would take a lot of energy out of me.  No, we weren’t going up any big hills.  I’m talking about stepping up from the curb as we cross a street.

We live near Lake Ontario in Whitby.  My wife and I used to take walks by the lake all the time.  Our goal was to work up to being able to do our old walks, but I was fearing if I couldn’t walk around the block, how would I ever be able to complete the 3-4km walk down to the lake and back?  Even if I did manage to get down to the lake, how would I ever get back?

So, the idea of a wheelchair no longer scares me.  I see a wheelchair as a sense of empowerment, a sense of independence and a sense of freedom.  I will embrace my wheelchair and I can’t wait until it arrives.  I will also be very thankful to my wife, who has been supporting me through this journey 24/7 and helped me talk through my concerns and feelings.  She has been my rock through this journey and will continue to be as we make our lemonade together.  She will also be the one pushing me, so I will continue to support her in every way I can as well.