My name is Dennis Rommel. I remain humbled and honoured to have been the Edmonton Walk Ambassador for the 2022 Walk Together for ALS event.
I was diagnosed with ALS in December 2020 but was experiencing symptoms for about four years prior. I was on long-term disability since 2017 before retiring in the fall of 2019.
After a fall at home, I spent 3 weeks in hospital in November 2020 and underwent many tests. I was originally told I have PLS (Primary Lateral Sclerosis). I had my first appointment at the ALS Clinic on December 1, 2020, where my diagnosis was changed to ALS. This came as a huge shock. December 1 is also my wedding anniversary; Lorna and I “celebrated” 41 years of marriage that day.
My main support system is my family. Lorna, my wife, our daughters Dawn and Donna, and grandsons Wilson, Boston, Emerson, Max, Leo, and others make up my team. They are always available to talk or just listen. The ALS Society has been great too. The mobility aids provided have improved my daily life significantly. The support groups have connected me with so many wonderful people who are going through similar challenges.
Since my time as the Walk Ambassador, I have been a part of many amazing experiences. I attended Quonset Days in 2022, a great fundraiser for ALS. I traveled to Nipawin, Saskatchewan in August 2023 and was honored to witness my niece Marissa marry Tyler. This past New Year, I saw Brett Kissel play at the River Cree Casino and got to meet him. A wonderful visit from my niece, Savanna, and her husband Ryan, who traveled from Chicago, topped off the holiday season. I was also able to volunteer for the NHL’s ALS Super Fund 50/50 in January 2024. It was a great night, not only to see the Oilers beat the Leafs, but also to see the support for ALS.
Recently, seeing one grandson, Boston, and one niece, Samantha, both graduate from High School have been wonderful moments. I will be attending Quonset Days again this July and hope to connect with Brett Kissel again. Beyond that, there are plans for some parties- 1 this September to celebrate my 70th birthday, and 1 in December to celebrate 45 years of marriage.
It was great to attend this year’s Edmonton Walk. I am extremely grateful for the ALS Society and all that they have done for me and my family. They have made this extremely difficult time so much easier.
“One day at a time – that is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone, and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering. Happiness is a journey, just as life is. Enjoy the ride.”
-Perspectives – 17 things I learned about living your best life while battling a terminal illness” by Wayne Thomas