Betty's Run for ALS
THANK YOU for your support of the 28th Annual Betty’s Run for ALS!
Event photos will be available on the Society’s Facebook page in the coming weeks.
2024 Ambassador, Dave McMaster
Each year, the Betty’s Run for ALS Committee selects an Ambassador, who helps raise awareness about what it is like to live with ALS. We are proud to introduce Dave McMaster as the 2024 Ambassador for the 28th Annual Betty’s Run for ALS!
Born and raised in Dryden, Ontario in the late 1950s, sport and recreation have always been integral to my daily life. My parents were fully supportive of all my athletic pursuits growing up - from hockey to basketball, badminton, to soccer - they were the typical “soccer mom and dad”.
Settling on ice hockey as my main endeavor at the age of 15, I played for the high school team in town and continued along my athletic journey into my university years. It was at McMaster University (no joke!) that I was offered a position on the badminton team. Having been concussed in my original sport of choice, hockey, one too many times, I accepted. Following graduation, I accepted a Badminton Coach position at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Not long after, I was offered the Assistant Badminton Professional at the Calgary Winter Club. After 31 years of coaching the sport, I moved into a senior administrative role with Badminton Alberta, as their Director of Coaching and High-Performance. I maintained my active lifestyle throughout my coaching career by playing several sports, biking, and enjoying time in the mountains with my wife and family whenever possible.
I first noticed my movement was beginning to slow down on the tennis court, putting me in several compromising positions for shot-making - something I had never really experienced. While I was not necessarily known for my blinding speed, I simply blew it off to age and a general decline in my motor abilities. It was not long before other symptoms started showing up...fasciculations, twitching, and cramping were happening daily – more things that I had never really experienced.
Through a series of doctor visits and extensive testing, the verdict was in…. confirmed ALS diagnosis. Life was now changed, forever.
Moving on from my original diagnosis, it is evident that a network of support is critical in navigating the ups and downs of this disease. My family has adapted extremely well to our uncertain future, while my immediate circle of friends continues to offer unconditional assistance in support of our day-to-day challenges.
Lastly, thank you to the ALS Society of Alberta and the ALS Clinic at South Health Campus for their unmatched support in helping us navigate these trying times. This is a phenomenal group of people whose care and concern we could not do without.
It is a privilege and great honor to be named Ambassador for the 2024 Betty’s Run for ALS. Please join me and the ALS Alberta Community on June 9 and help raise awareness and funds for this terminal disease.
About Betty’s Run for ALS
Betty's Run for ALS celebrates, promotes and channels hope for those affected with ALS, their families and their friends.
Twenty-seven years ago, Betty Norman had a wish to find a cure for ALS. In spite of her own battle with the disease, Betty unselfishly used her time and energy to bring her vision to life. In Betty’s own words, “I remain determined. I have an important need to find some meaning in my altered life and maybe a justification as to why I was given this horrible disease. I want to make a difference in the time that I have left and possibly help future people with ALS.”
Hundreds of families, volunteers and supporters have carried the torch forward to make Betty’s Run an event that inspires care, hope and community. This grassroots event laid the financial foundation to enable the ALS Society of Alberta to grow in its support of people living with ALS across Alberta. Since the first run, families have raised more than $8.5 million for research, equipment and client support services.
Who is Betty?
Betty Norman was an active 58-year-old Calgarian when she was diagnosed with ALS in August of 1996. Betty's courage and determination to make a difference was the driving force behind the June 1997 "This One's for Betty" walk/run. Sadly, Betty passed away within 11 months of her diagnosis and two weeks after the event that she inspired took place.
Determined to continue Betty's unwavering spirit, the organizing committee unanimously decided to hold an event every year in Betty's memory and honour. They also wanted to raise much needed funds to support the many other Albertans currently living with or affected by ALS. This is how the annual Betty's Run for ALS was born.
Sponsorship
Thank you to our 2024 Betty’s Run Sponsors!
Platinum
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Betty’s Run for ALS is made possible by a wonderful group of sponsors. If your brand would like to partner with Betty’s Run for ALS, please review our sponsorship opportunities here or reach out to info@alsab.ca
