In November of 2019 I received a life altering and devastating diagnose of ALS( Lou Gerig Disease )
I was told there was no cure and very little evidence that the few treatments had any significant effect on the disease. Both doctors I saw told me that my life expectancy was 2-5 years and that I should get my affairs in order. (on a positive note they did tell me to eat and drink whatever I wanted.
This was one of those moments when you say “this doesn’t happen to me”
Those three letters “ALS” profoundly changed my life. Given the life expectancy of this disease I left my job that I loved and had defined me for almost 20 years. My husband and I hoped to do a bit of traveling while still able but COVID got in the way.
ALS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 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 can affect anyone regardless of gender, ethnicity or age. It most often affects people aged 40-60. An estimated 3,000 Canadians are currently living with ALS--400 of whom live in BC.
So far I have been lucky; I am still mobile (although slow). But it has definitely affected my ability to do daily tasks. And sometimes does a physiological trip on what my future looks likes.
I have never taken up a crusade or a cause. And although I will not see a cure in my lifetime I am shamelessly asking all of my friends, acquaintances and businesses that I have worked with in the past to support me again this year in the move to cure ALS.
You too could have that moment where you say “This doesn’t happen to me”
Thank you from my heart for your donations!
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery.
And Today?
Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present."