“I believe my journey with ALS unknowingly began in July of 2022 when I noticed changes in my body - with increased muscle cramps the muscles in my shoulders constantly rippling. We had recently moved and were still looking for a family doctor. In January 2023 I attended a walk-in clinic and was lucky enough to meet a knowledgeable young doctor that recognized I needed to see a neurologist ASAP.
March 2023 at the neurologist appointment, my tests left the doctor unsure of my diagnosis as I still had significant strength. Over the next two months, I lost a lot of the dexterity in my hands and much of my strength. At my next neurologist visit and repeats of some tests, he confirmed my diagnosis and booked me in at the South Health Campus ALS Clinic.
There have been many tear-filled days since then but in many ways, my diagnosis still feels surreal. As a tradesman, I learned to troubleshoot and adapt to change. I was a problem-solver, so living with ALS is another problem that I have to adapt to. As my disease progresses, I find new and innovative ways to keep doing the things I love. I have enjoyed a very fulfilling career - much of which involved mentoring young tradespeople. I have had 40 years of a happy marriage and many family adventures traveling, and building and restoring vehicles. ALS robs a little from you every day, but we are consciously not letting it steal the time we have left to make more memories together. As ALS takes away parts of my life that I cannot control, my focus has shifted to the projects I have always wanted to complete like cataloging my music collection and organizing family photos. This has been therapeutic.
I have had tremendous support from family and friends, there is always someone checking in to see how I am doing and offering to help in any way they can. The support of the staff at both the South Health Campus ALS Clinic and the ALS Society of Alberta has been heartfelt and efficient. The staff is very compassionate and caring. The ALS Society of Alberta has been there with emotional support through group meetings and one-on-one support. They are quick to source and provide aides that support daily living through their Equipment Loan Program. The benefit of not having to do this alone is comforting - it relieves a lot of emotional and financial stress.
I accepted the ambassadorship for the Drayton Valley Walk Together for ALS because most of my career was spent in Drayton Valley which was home to our family for 30 years. Taking part in the Walk Together for ALS is our way of giving back and bringing awareness to this cruel disease. The ALS Society of Alberta supports those affected and funds research in hopes of finding a cure.”