ALS was no stranger to my family. My 2 younger sisters had already lived with and passed from it. Melanie, my youngest, first to be diagnosed, lived with ALS for 2 years and passed away on April 10, 2015, at the age of 52. Maureen, my middle sister, was next to live for 2 years with ALS. She passed away on November 27, 2019. Although they lived with the same illness, their ALS journeys were unique. Melanie had difficulties with her extremities and eventually used a power wheelchair. She required a feeding tube, and lived at home. Maureen was unable to communicate verbally and had ALS related dementia symptoms. She was mobile the entire time, but lived in a facility.
Three years, almost to the date of Maureen’s passing, I received the same fate - Familial ALS. I was officially diagnosed on November 1, 2022. The symptoms I had included a loss of balance, falls, and tremors in my hands. My doctors tried treating me for Parkinson’s disease, but those medications had no positive effect so was ruled out.
My Clinical team, including the allied health members at the ALS Clinic, and my Community Home Care team have been great supporters in helping me and my husband, Brian, navigate our journey living with ALS. The equipment loaned to us and the social support we receive from the ALS Society of Alberta have been very beneficial.
I can no longer do some of the things that previously brought me joy, such as driving and playing softball. I have different interests now and, with the help of my supportive husband, Brian, and the mobility equipment I was loaned by the Society, I can enjoy getting my hair and nails done regularly, have weekly lunch dates with my girlfriends, watch Oilers and Blue Jays games with Brian, and get together with friends who I cherish deeply for weekly dinners. Brian and I recently traveled to Mexico to visit friends. We have purchased and are using a special lift called a Multi-Lift to assist me in and out of our vehicle. Without this lift, the manual and power wheelchairs loaned to me by the Society, I would be unable to venture out as often as I do.
Bob and Candace, Gord and Donna, Eugene and Darlene, and Steve and Shar, and of course, my loving husband Brian, are the greatest friends anyone could ask for. A strong support system is imperative when living with ALS and these people are irreplaceable. To them, I want to say thank you for all of your love, and for bringing Brian and I laughter and new memories. You are helping Make it Possible for me to enjoy each and every day.