Born and raised in Dryden, Ontario in the late 1950s, sport and recreation have always been integral to my daily life. My parents were fully supportive of all my athletic pursuits growing up - from hockey to basketball, badminton, to soccer - they were the typical “soccer mom and dad”.
Settling on ice hockey as my main endeavor at the age of 15, I played for the high school team in town and continued along my athletic journey into my university years. It was at McMaster University (no joke!) that I was offered a position on the badminton team. Having been concussed in my original sport of choice, hockey, one too many times, I accepted. Following graduation, I accepted a Badminton Coach position at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Not long after, I was offered the Assistant Badminton Professional at the Calgary Winter Club. After 31 years of coaching the sport, I moved into a senior administrative role with Badminton Alberta, as their Director of Coaching and High-Performance. I maintained my active lifestyle throughout my coaching career by playing several sports, biking, and enjoying time in the mountains with my wife and family whenever possible.
I first noticed my movement was beginning to slow down on the tennis court, putting me in several compromising positions for shot-making - something I had never really experienced. While I was not necessarily known for my blinding speed, I simply blew it off to age and a general decline in my motor abilities. It was not long before other symptoms started showing up...fasciculations, twitching, and cramping were happening daily – more things that I had never really experienced.
Through a series of doctor visits and extensive testing, the verdict was in…. confirmed ALS diagnosis. Life was now changed, forever.
Moving on from my original diagnosis, it is evident that a network of support is critical in navigating the ups and downs of this disease. My family has adapted extremely well to our uncertain future, while my immediate circle of friends continues to offer unconditional assistance in support of our day-to-day challenges.
Lastly, thank you to the ALS Society of Alberta and the ALS Clinic at South Health Campus for their unmatched support in helping us navigate these trying times. This is a phenomenal group of people whose care and concern we could not do without.
It is a privilege and great honor to be named Ambassador for the 2024 Betty’s Run for ALS. Please join me and the ALS Alberta Community on June 9 and help raise awareness and funds for this terminal disease.