Our client, Gordon James, is thankful for your support that allows him to get out and explore our beautiful province. He shares his story to kick off GivingTuesday on November 29th, as we raise funds for our invaluable Equipment Loan Program.
The news that one has been diagnosed with ALS knocks the wind out of anyone’s sail. But then a lot of lifelines and support appear to help one manage your new reality – family, friends, the ALS Clinic, the ALS Society of Alberta, your family doctor and Home Care.
They all play an important role. One loss for me that was hard to come to grips with was decreasing independence and mobility. While we never fully regain these aspects of our lives, the ALS Society has made this transition easier through their equipment loan program. A walker, transporter wheelchair and a ride-on EScooter along with other items all made life easier for our family.
A favorite spot for us has been Kananaskis – close to Calgary with good hiking trails. ALS didn’t change this – same closeness and enough paved pathways. Two favorites of ours are the pathway around the Pomeroy Hotel near the Nakiska Ski Hill and Mount Lorette Ponds Trail. The walker and/or the transporter chair both work for us in these spots. There are handicapped parking spots in both places.
In Calgary I use the ride-on EScooter to navigate the streets and park pathways in our Northwest neighborhood. My daughters and I will often take our neighbours new Labrador puppy (“Coco”) for a walk with us. She’s full of unlimited energy and before every walk she bounds up to me on the EScooter and gives me a face wash. And during the walk she glances at me from time to time to see where I am and periodically will bound over to me and yep, I get another face wash. And the times I don’t go for a walk, Coco will run to the EScooter and sniff the empty seat as if asking “Where’s my man?”. We think her affection and concern for me is because she senses something is wrong with me.
I am sure over the coming year with the continued support of the ALS Society we can continue to get out and explore on the mobility devices. Thanks to the ALS Society and the many donors who help Alberta’s ALS patients stay mobile!