Back in March, we were inspired to hear about Sheldon Watt’s community supporting him at a Charity Curling Bonspiel, held by the Carbon and District Agricultural Society and Curling Club. The longtime volunteer and club member had recently been diagnosed with ALS, and friends came out from across the province to support Sheldon, Laurie and the rest of the Watt family. A total of 16 teams took part, and $10,550 was raised for the Watt family to help cover their additional medical and home modification costs.
However the Agricultural Society also made a surprise $3000 donation to the ALS Society of Alberta, knowing the support that we give to families such as the Watts. We wanted to take this opportunity to share Sheldon’s story, while also thanking the Carbon and District Agricultural Society for their amazing spirit and generosity.
Early in 2020, Sheldon Watt noticed that something wasn’t right while working as a partsman. His hands were cramping up and his arms were progressively getting weaker, making it difficult to pull inventory off of the top shelves. By February of 2021, with doctors having advised him to keep an eye on the cramping but without much further assistance, Sheldon retired from his job as he just wasn’t able to perform the role anymore. After pushing his doctor, he finally was sent to Kinesis, who then referred him to the ALS Clinic in South Calgary.
Sheldon was asked at Kinesis if he had any hunches or thoughts as to what the issue might be – and he immediately let them know that he thought it might be ALS, as his dad passed of it in 2003. However, with no other cases every recorded in the family, it did not appear to be a case of familial ALS. After his diagnosis on July 14, 2021, Sheldon underwent genetic testing – first for the two most common genes that cause familial ALS, and then when those were both negative, for a much wider test of less common ones. Again, all negative. From all accounts, this is a very rare case of two genetically unrelated cases of ALS in the same family.
Since receiving their diagnosis, Sheldon and Laurie and their children and grandchildren have adapted and continue to move forward together. Unfortunately, the Class A motorhome that was just purchased and meant to continue their long-standing family tradition of travel and camping was returned to the dealership. That was a hard moment for them. But watching the disease progress and affect his mobility and strength forced the decision.
However, Sheldon is so incredibly positive about some of the other aspects of this change in life that ALS has brought. For example, Laurie is retired and is now his caregiver, and he loves spending so much time with her that they weren’t able to before. He also notes that the ALS Society is always one step ahead with adaptive equipment, sending out recommended items to see if they will be of help, and always ensuring that they have what they need. Sheldon expands on his experience and advice here:
“I am really enjoying the ALS Society Support Group Zoom calls. I get the chance to meet other people fighting the same battle. Everyone is so positive and that sure helps, seeing other people going through it. It is good to see other people dealing with this and how they are doing. We are all connected by this disease, and seeing people have a positive outlook is great.”
“In addition, my extended family (four sisters and their husbands) have all been a great help, everything from driving me to infusions, to helping move stuff. One of my sisters came out to get an electric scooter from another friend on my behalf. The community support is also incredible, from the Agricultural Society to the Lions Club, to individuals in the area - they support in any way they can.”
“It’s a hard thing to do, to ask for help, when you have been the one helping others through the years. Half is physical, the other half is between the ears. That’s almost as hard as what your body won’t let you do, coming to grips with the disease. You have to be able to set pride aside and ask for help, especially considering our caregivers. Laurie needs help too, so we need to take the help that is offered.”
Thank you Sheldon, Laurie and family for sharing your story for ALS Awareness month. And thank to you to the community of Carbon for your incredible support and generosity as well!