Category: Uncategorized
-
I Will Survive
On hearing Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis, I thought of my father’s successful battle with cancer in the 1950s and the progress in cancer research. It also highlighted the absence of ALS survivors and the need for continued research. I continue to raise funds so one day I may…
-
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
The ALS community received disappointing news that one of the three approved drugs in Canada did not meet its Phase 3 primary and secondary endpoints. A setback, no doubt, but there is still a lot of research, with some exciting new studies underway. Continued funding and support for ALS will…
-
‘To be or not to be’, is that really the question?
I have completed almost 1400km in my virtual ride across Canada for my ALS fundraiser. Through falls and illness, I ask is ‘To be or not to be’ really the question? For me, it is always ‘to be’. The only question is ‘how will I choose to use my time…
-
Channeling my Inner MacGyver with Every New Challenge
As my journey with ALS progresses, I am constantly reminded of the degenerative nature of this disease with no cure. Until more research can be done to help find a cure, or at least extend quality of life, I will continue to channel my inner MacGyver to make lemonade.
-
What is a ‘Chumbawamba’, anyway?
ALS is a disease that progressively 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…
-
More Thoughts on Accessibility and Mobility
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you were able to spend some quality time with family and friends. I was able to connect with some old friends and plenty of family. I knew it would be tiring – every outing is tiring – but it was worth the recovery the next day…
-
A Get By with A Lot of Support from my Family, Friends & Colleagues
The last two weeks have been both exciting and emotional. Often, when someone says ‘Let me know how I can help’, it is well intentioned but the delivery can sometimes fall short. Well, I have to say, over the last few week, this has not been the case. Nor has it been since…
-
Lemons are Needed to make Lemonade
I started this blog to share my ALS journey and raise awareness of what it is like living with this disease. My goal is to share both the positive and negative sides. Regardless of what I share, one thing is true: everything had to be re-prioritized and re-thought the day…
-
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!!!…
-
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…
My ALS Challenge 