My ALS Challenge

By Andrew Dundas

ALS is a terminal disease with no cure and few treatment options. I was diagnosed with ALS in December 2022. So, what do you do when given a truckload of lemons? Why, you make lemonade, of course!

I have created this blog for two reasons:
1. To share my ALS journey and help bring greater awareness to this disease, and
2. Share my fundraising campaign, called the ALS Virtual Mobility Challenge, in support of ALS Canada. Starting on December 1, 2023, I will start a year-long virtual cycling challenge across Canada from Victoria, BC to St. John’s, NFLD – a total of approximately 7,500km.

To learn more about my Virtual Mobility challenge, and view my ‘route’ and progress, click on ‘Mobility Ride’ at the top of the page or click here.

I look forward to sharing my story with you, and enjoy the ride!

Latest posts

  • Let the Ride Begin!

    Let the Ride Begin!

    One year ago I received confirmation of my ALS diagnosis. What has happened over that year? Well, I can list a whole bunch of things that would probably sound pretty negative and depressing, but there is only one thing that really comes to mind: I learned how to make Lemonade!!! That’s right. I learned how Read more

  • Is ALS the Death Star in Disguise?

    Is ALS the Death Star in Disguise?

    There are three drugs – Rilutek, Albrioza and Radicava – currently available and approved by Health Canada to treat ALS and provide hope to ALS patients.  These drugs help slow progression – by months, not years.  They are NOT a cure. I take the Rilutek and Albrioza twice daily, on an empty stomach, 1 hour Read more

  • My First Wheelchair: Changing Perspectives on Mobility

    My First Wheelchair: Changing Perspectives on Mobility

    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 Read more

  • What does Accessibility mean to Someone with a Disability?

    What does Accessibility mean to Someone with a Disability?

    Accessibility Helps Remove Barriers while Retaining Independence First off, I am thankful I am still able to continue working, and I will continue to do so as long as ALS allows me. Okay, with that said, during the day I work as an IT project manager.  At the beginning of every project, my team will Read more

  • Maintaining Mobility

    Maintaining Mobility

    When I was diagnosed with ALS, I was told to keep exercising to maintain my mobility, albeit in moderation.  So, my wife and I started looking for fitness programs that catered to ALS patients.  I was seeing a trainer that was only a 10-minute drive from home.  But, due to my drop-foot, after each workout Read more

  • Some Days are Tougher than Others

    Some Days are Tougher than Others

    I have been asked seemingly simple questions but are really difficult to answer. For example, “What is it like living with ALS?” or “How I can help?”. Why are these so difficult to answer? Because I am still trying to figure out the answers to them myself. I must start off by saying I am Read more

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or motor neuron disease) is a disease that gradually paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe.

ALS is not contagious. There is no cure for ALS and few treatment options for the majority of people living with the disease. Approximately 80 per cent of people with ALS die within two to five years of being diagnosed.