Making it Possible, (George Sewell)

A Journey, Not Always By Choice

Typically when you decide to take a vacation you spend time planning. Where to go, the cost, what type of activities to do. Where you go, how you get there, and the people that you are with makes the journey and the memories! Over my working career, I traveled the berth and width of western Canada. On occasion, there was an opportunity to go further across Canada, into the U.S., and some sunny resort destinations.
Well, now I am on a trip that I wouldn't wish for anyone. I did not have input, I did not do any planning, I had no say. Not even my wife Marjorie had a say and trust me, she always has a say. After the last two years of visiting several hospitals (sometimes by chauffeur service offered by AHS and their well-staffed EMT), physio clinics, and test after test, in an attempt to determine why I was falling for no apparent reason, I said to my wife Marjorie enough is enough.

During my time serving as a Board Member for various hospital boards, I had the privilege to visit the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton. I witnessed firsthand the wonderful patient care provided. Having exhausted all other resources in trying to find out the cause of my falls, I knew where my next journey was going to take me. So I said I was going to the Glenrose, they can tear me apart from top to bottom. If Glenrose was unable to find a solution I would stop looking, no more doctors, and I would carry on with my life as is and hope for the best. After two weeks into my six-week wonderful stay the excellent staff and talented doctors requested a family meeting. They compassionately informed us that the results of the tests indicated that evidence of ALS was present. Well, we were not looking for that destination or the journey.

After the medical team at the Glenrose Hospital and Kaye Edmonton Clinic shared the potential road map of this journey, they highly recommended visiting the ALS Society. Think of the ALS Society as the patient's "roadside assistance". What a wonderful roadside assistance team the ALS Society turned out to be! The case managers are so eager to assist, the support team members are exceptionally friendly and compassionate, there is a wide variety of specialized equipment, coffee groups with other travelers (aka patients) that have become friends and also support for family members. Everything that the ALS Society does aids the journey for those physically affected by the disease and those families and friends that care for them.

Though several promising medical trials and testing are underway around the world, to date there is no medical cure available. For now, those from the ALS Society are the best medicine. If I had the choice I would subscribe to a daily dose of the ALS Society. Think of every person working and volunteering with the ALS Society as your roadside assistance team. They are part of your journey, will be with you to your final destination and will definitely be a huge part of the memory.

Making it Possible, Sherwin Flanders

Sherwin was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2013. At that point, the disease was affecting his hands, arms and neck muscles, but Sherwin had noticeable weakness in hands and arms for 2 years prior to his diagnosis. By the Spring of 2015, Sherwin had lost the use of his hands.

With the help of the ALS Society and their equipment program, the clinic at South Health Campus, the ACETS clinic, and of course our local Homecare network, they made it possible for him to be as independent as he could be, providing him with electric wheelchairs, neck and arm braces, hands-free iPad technologies etc.

We were fortunate to be able to hire a personal care aide that was also interested in Sherwin’s “hobby,” woodworking. Krista became his hands, as Sherwin taught her to use all the power tools. Together they figured out and built everything from pens and bowls on the lathe, to crib boards, jewelry boxes, beds, nightstands, blanket chests – they had a lot of fun. Krista said Sherwin was a good teacher for those that wanted to learn, as Sherwin loved to research things on his iPad for our son David, or anyone else who needed it. The woodworking shop was in our garage, and on nice days the big door was open for neighbours and kids to come visit and see what was next to build.

The power chair provided by the ALS Society, which he controlled with his foot, gave Sherwin the ability to go on his own to visit in our neighborhood, and race the kids on their bikes. Sherwin spent a lot of time at his cousin’s stables where she raised gypsy horses. He would go in his chair amongst the horses, they were so quiet. We also spent time with Sherwin’s two best friends, his dogs Cooper & Katie, at an off-leash dog park at the river. That truly was one of his favourite places.

Church was a special place for Sherwin too, where we would meet our daughter, Julie. Sherwin’s faith was strong - in hospice, Sherwin said “I know where I’m going, and I can’t wait to get there”. Sadly, we lost Sherwin in October of 2019. Sherwin was a great husband, dad, grandpa and friend - with the help of family, faith, church, and the ALS Society of Alberta, we made it through. Jean Flanders

June 29 - Suzanne Ward

Today, we are featuring Suzanne Ward on day 29 of ALS Awareness Month. 

Suzanne was diagnosed with ALS in June of 2018, though she says she started experiencing symptoms one and a half years before that. She recalls that it started with losing some functions in her thumbs then it progressed to her arms and then her legs. Suzanne says that since her diagnosis the ALS Society of Alberta has been there for her providing support and equipment  to help her realize her vision that “…today is the first day of the rest of her life.” She speaks passionately about wanting to make her challenges her strengths. Suzanne fondly speaks of how much she appreciates the support of her husband Mike, her son Sean and his family, and her friends. When she speaks of this, it is evident that she is ever so grateful.

Since diagnosis Suzanne has truly embraced one of her favorite sayings “Attitude is Altitude.” She says that attitude is everything and her commitment to being positive is evident in so many ways such as bringing her Christmas spirit to the Holiday ALS Support Group last December and in her willingness to use new equipment to facilitate adventures. In the fall she took a ‘Go Chair’ chair to the Women’s Show at the BMO Center.

She has recently acquired an accessible van and is thrilled that it will allow her to visit her Son and his family in Bearspaw. Most recently, Suzanne and her friend went to William Watson Lodge where she enjoyed much time exploring the pathways. On that very same weekend she left William Watson for the day to attend Betty’s Run and then headed back out to Kananaskis!

Suzanne’s positivity and enthusiasm is inspirational!

June 28 - Donna Lepp

It’s day 28 of ALS Awareness Month and we are so happy to share a story from Donna Lepp. Thank you so much Donna for sharing with us.

The help I have received from the ALS Society of Alberta has enabled me to stay living in my home in the mountains, where I want to be. 

 I truly appreciate all of the equipment I have received. The scooter has been especially wonderful. Besides getting me from the house to the car, it has allowed me to get outside to see my flowers, pet my horses and enjoy our property. 

 The standing turner disc is also a wonderful piece of equipment that helps me with my transfers. It’s portable and fits easily in our home. Another piece of equipment I appreciate is the bath lift; it allows me to settle into a relaxing bath and feels much more comforting than sitting for a shower. 

 I am grateful for everything that the ALS Society does for me and for the equipment that allows me to stay in my home.

June 27 - Bill's Smooth Operators

Today, we want to recognize and congratulate Bill Goodwin and his team Bill’s Smooth Operators. 

At the Edmonton Walk to End ALS this year, Bill’s Smooth Operators won the team challenge by raising $5,950 more than they did in 2018.  The team challenge is supported by James H. Brown & Associates as they will match the difference and donate an additional $5,950.  The team challenge trophy will be engraved with Bill’s Smooth Operators name for 2019.  Congratulations Bill’s Smooth Operators!  Thank you to Bill, his daughter Jen and the team - your fundraising efforts are greatly appreciated and making it possible for our families.

June 26 - Mikael & Frida Backlund

On day 26 of ALS Awareness Month we want to highlight Mikael & Frida Backlund for all that they do for the ALS Community.

Mikael and Frida Backlund have been making possibilities happen for our families since 2015. They have dedicated their valuable time and effort to support families affected by ALS in Alberta.  In addition to donating funds to the ALS Society for critical ALS research, they generously provide tickets to the Calgary Flames Games so that families can spend a night out together. Over 64 families from across Alberta have had the opportunity to attend a game. After the game, Mikael meets each and every family.

Mikael and Frida not only support the work of the Society but more importantly, make memories for our families to keep forever.

Thank you Mikael and Frida!

June 25 - Jessie Ravnsborg

Today, we are featuring Jessie Ravnsborg’s Making it Possible story for day 25 of ALS Awareness Month.

Mobility and independence have been priorities for me since my diagnosis with ALS over a year ago.  Receiving a power wheelchair, on loan, from the ALS Society of Alberta has provided me with many opportunities to get out and continue to live my life as fully as possible.

Off the cuff, I mentioned to my mom that I wanted to pet a horse. Well, she took that idea and ran with it and I got to meet a 27-year-old horse named Chase. What an amazing experience.  I’ll never forget looking into Chase’s eye and seeing myself in the reflection – so amazing!

I was still a little uncertain as I headed into the arena to meet Chase. The whole time I was in the arena, Chase was watching me. The equine therapist brought him to me and he stood right beside me as I sat in my wheelchair. I’m used to being 6 feet tall and to be beside such a large animal while in my wheelchair was slightly alarming but also comforting. As Chase got used to me, I just sat there and patted him.

I then took Chase for a walk around the arena. The first time he kept going too fast and almost cut me off.  After asking him to slow down and move over, he and I started moving right next to each other at the same speed around the arena. Each time we went around we got more in sync with each other. It was quite something for me to lead in a non-medical environment. This past year all my leading has been in regard to ALS and it was really nice to lead something that had nothing to do with ALS.

Chase became so familiar with me that he decided my wheelchair was going to be a snack for him. He tried to nibble on the metal back of my wheelchair, on my control joystick, on the legrest, and anything else he could get his mouth on – even my bangs were viewed as a tasty treat.

Thank you to the ALS Society of Alberta to help me maintain my mobility and independence through your equipment loan program.

June 24 - Thank You To Our Volunteers

We would like to recognize and highlight our volunteers on this 24th day of ALS Awareness Month.

Most of the ALS Society’s events - including the Walks and Betty’s Run, would not be possible without the ongoing support of our volunteers.

From the organizing committees to our volunteers on the day of the event, we are so fortunate to have such an amazing team of volunteers across the province that continuously donate their time and effort to support families affected by ALS in Alberta.

 Thank you to our volunteers across the province for all that you do and continuing to make such a huge impact in the lives of people living with and affected by ALS.

June 23 - Brent Adams

For the 23rd day of ALS Awareness Month we are featuring Brent Adams. Thank you Brent for sharing your story.

I was diagnosed with ALS in 2013 but had signs of the disease two years before this. I kept losing my balance and falling. It has been a slow processing of this disease, that has been a blessing and a curse depending on what is happening at that time. I’ve been very fortunate with having the support of the ALS Society of Alberta and the ALS Clinic at South Health Campus. I would never been able to deal with all the changes this disease has made to my life. Every change has given a new challenge to figure out how to deal with it. At first it was walking sticks, then a walker, manual wheelchair, scooter, and now a power wheelchair. These changes and equipment have not been easy to adjust to but with the patience and understanding of the ALS support team the transition has been easier. The latest and greatest equipment has been my new power chair. It has given me the freedom I never thought possible. It took me a while to learn to control it and is has left a lot of marks on the walls and baseboards to prove it. I have discovered the use of the lift and tilt of the power chair. I can now get into the upper cupboards where all the snacks are kept. I can use the microwave and now I can finally barbeque. I haven’t been able to cook my own steak for many years. The ALS Society provided me with a ramp to our back deck so I can get on the deck with my power chair. This might not seem like much but it is everything for me as I can enjoy the backyard barbequing with our friends. These little treats make all the difference with not allowing this disease to take over your life. It’s also been great having the support of family and friends who are on this journey with me.   

June 22 - Sharon Wood

Today we are featuring Sharon Wood on day 22 of ALS Awareness Month.  Thank you Sharon for sharing your story.

TOES? That’s correct, toes! It all began with my toes.  We were in southern California for the winter and I was on my way to the pool when I walked out of my left sandal.  Somewhat baffled, I slipped the sandal back on and finished my walk.  In the weeks to follow this became a fairly common and annoying occurrence.  Little did I know on that sunny day in February 2017 that I would go from walking unaided to using a cane, then a walker and finally a wheelchair.  Having this disease has given me many opportunities to explain what ALS is and talk about my journey.

One of the exciting results began with a friend who, when she read about the Lethbridge Walk to End ALS, formed a team calling them Team Woodfest.  They entered at the last minute and had a successful outcome.  She has already started planning for this year.  ALS will eventually be solved, in part by the efforts of thousands of folks like my friend.  Every dollar raised helps in aiding ongoing research.

June 21 - Gish Warriors

It’s day 21 of ALS Awareness Month! We have heard some amazing stories so far and today is no exception. Today, we are featuring Elmer S. Gish School in St. Albert.

Students, teachers, and parents at Elmer S. Gish School have been working endlessly on their fundraising efforts towards the ALS Society of Alberta. Some of the different activities they have done over the past year to raise funds include collecting pledges for their triathlon and Gym-a-thon, selling hot chocolate, lemonade, freezies, and friendship bracelets and the much anticipated Ice Bucket Teacher Challenge which took place during the school’s year-end assembly.

Not only have they raised surpassed their fundraising goal and raised an incredible $10,600, but they have also done a fantastic job of spreading awareness of what ALS is, how it can effect anyone and how the cause is near and dear to the members of the Elmer S. Gish community. 

Thank you to every single student, teacher, and parent who donated, raised money, and participated in these events. Your funds will make such a difference to those who are living with and affected by ALS and we are so grateful for all that you have done!

June 20 - Joyce Berg

Today marks day 20 of ALS Awareness Month and we would like to share a story from Joyce Berg.

In March 2005, Joyce started having problems with her speech.  Then in November 2006, she was diagnosed with PLS.  This was devastating news but with her positive attitude she accepted the challenge and vowed to make the best of each day.  

The ALS Society of Alberta has helped make Joyce’s journey a little easier so she wanted to give back to the Society.  Joyce and her husband are participating in their 8th Lethbridge Walk to End ALS this year.  Over the years they have had friends and family join in the Lethbridge Walk too.  To date, Joyce has raised almost $50,000 and she hopes to reach $60,000 this year.

Joyce always has a smile on her face and says she couldn’t do it without the love and support of her family and friends.

Thank you so much, Joyce, for sharing your story with us.

June 19 - Katherine Gartner

On day 19 of ALS Awareness Month, we are featuring a story from Katherine Gartner.

Since my diagnosis last year, the ALS Society has been with me every step of the way.  Their genuine concern, ongoing support, encouragement and the extensive equipment loan program has Made It Possible to adjust to my new reality.

Family outings, including a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada and St. George, Utah, and a recent trip to Edmonton for my brother’s wedding as well as park picnics and bbq’s were made so much easier by using a transport chair and walker.

Last fall I was invited to attend a Calgary Flames game courtesy of Mickael Backlund and the ALS Society.  What an exciting evening and yes, Mikael led his team to victory by scoring the first goal of the game.

The combination of Calgary Transit Access and the recent addition of a power wheelchair from the ALS Society has Made It Possible for some sorely missed independence.  Not only can I attend some of the numerous medial appointments on my own, I can now spend a warm afternoon at the zoo, go over to my mom’s for a visit or spend a rainy day at a shopping centre.

Together with my family, we thank the ALS Society for all they offer us as they make this journey so much easier.

June 18 - Bill Isbister

On day 18 of ALS Awareness Month, we are featuring Bill Isbister.

I first started to notice some muscle loss about 3 years prior to being diagnosed and I knew something wasn’t quite right, later I was diagnosed with ALS on July 24th 2018.

I grew up with 6 brothers in my family and no sisters. I was building cars at a very young age before becoming an Auto-body Mechanic for 42 years.  I often think how I laid every brick and rock in our yard at our family home, how I built the greenhouse out of old collected windows and doors. Everything I did I used my hands so I miss my hands, along with my arms, I can’t hug or clap my hands anymore, it’s the little things.

I enjoy the coffee groups we attend and I am grateful for all they provide, we have learned a lot about things we never knew we needed. This is a very merciless disease that affects any race, occupation, age, religion, rich or poor. Our strong faith sustains us through the changes and loss of dexterity. We are all affected very differently but everyone is affected. I hope sharing my story is a voice to help others, to raise awareness; as well it brings a measure of comfort to express my emotions.

We are grateful for the love, friendship and support of our family and those we continue to meet. We would like to thank Mikael Backlund from the Calgary Flames for providing the opportunity for me and my family to attend the hockey game Calgary vs Edmonton. It was a wonderful experience.

June 17 - Dale Block

We can’t believe it’s already day 17 of ALS Awareness Month! Today, we are hearing from Dale Block.

“Two years into our diagnosis, we can say that we are making the best of our time.  With the help of our family and the ALS Society, we have been able to take a number of trips to places all over the world.  The Society has lent us a variety of equipment or has arranged for it to be available on the other end of a trip.  Various family members have taken holidays with us and even our caregiver was able to come on one trip. This has made it possible for us to deal with all our needs on a travel and daily basis.  The clinic in Calgary has been second to none and the ALS group has been a great and compassionate support emotionally and has helped us to connect with other clients who truly understand.  All these new connections are invaluable and we are so very grateful for them.  With care from professionals, organizations, the ALS Society and our friends and family, we are able to enjoy as many of our days that we can and make memories that will be with us forever.”

Thank you so much, Dale, for sharing your Making It Possible story with us.

June 16 - Ken Rusk

Today is day 16 of ALS Awareness Month and the Hinton Walk to End ALS. We are featuring the Hinton Walk Ambassador, Ken Rusk and his Making It Possible Story.

“My name is Ken Rusk, and I am honoured to have been asked to be the Ambassador for the Hinton Walk to End ALS on June 16, 2019. I would like to share some of my story with you including how I became afflicted with ALS and my journey with it so far. In late October of 2016, I suffered a deep muscle injury to my left calf.  After months of this injury not fully healing, I began to notice a constant twitching in my left thigh. After a couple of more months passed by, I noticed the twitching had moved up the left side of my body and into my left shoulder. I reported the twitching to my doctor and she scheduled me for an MRI. The MRI came back inconclusive and I was left with no definitive answers. Early in the spring of 2017, I was out walking with my daughter and she noticed that my left foot kept slapping down on the ground with each step I took. I simply wrote this off as a result of my calf injury, which had still not healed completely. At a following appointment with my doctor, I told her about my concern and she diagnosed me with drop foot. She then scheduled me to see Dr. Makus, a neurologist at the Hinton General Hospital in November of 2017. After noting the twitching in my left thigh, Dr. Makus asked me if I had ever heard of Lou Gehrig’s disease. He recommended I go for further testing.

Two months later, on January 9, 2018, Dr. Kalra, a neurologist at the Kaye Center in Edmonton, confirmed that I indeed had ALS and immediately put me on permanent disability. Over the course of the next few months, I was able to continue to be fairly active and mobile with the use of my walking sticks and a brace on my left foot. A few months later, I found myself in need of a walker. And finally, in February of 2019, an electric wheelchair became necessary as the disease continued to progress.

Throughout my struggles of the progression of ALS, I have to thank Christy and the ALS Society of Alberta for providing me with the equipment that I have needed to make my life more comfortable. In addition to providing the walking assistance equipment, they have also equipped my home with stair lifts, as well as a wheelchair lift to provide me easier access to and around my home. Without the ALS Society and the support of my family and friends, I could not imagine what life would be like trying to cope with this disease. So I would like to thank everyone for their support and encourage everyone to come join us at the Hinton Walk to End ALS on June 16, 2019 at the Green Square in Hinton to help raise awareness and to support all people affected by ALS.”

June 15 - Leading Edge Mobility

Today we are featuring one of our vendors, Leading Edge Mobility for day 15 of ALS Awareness Month.

Leading Edge Mobility, located in Lethbridge, is one of the vendors the Society has been working with for many years.  They deliver, pick up and maintain our equipment that is on loan to clients. The Leading Edge Mobility team is very knowledgeable and responsive to the needs of clients.  Leading Edge Mobility works with our equipment team and Client Services staff in providing the right piece of equipment to best fit the needs of each client.  Their care and understanding of client needs is greatly appreciated.  Responding in a courteous and timely manner helps make each day the best possible day for clients and their families.  With their support we are helping clients Make it Possible.

To learn more visit www.leadingedgemobility.com

June 14 - Jim Park

On Day 14 of ALS Awareness Month, we are sharing Jim Park’s Making it Possible story.

“My name is Jim Park and I was diagnosed with ALS on April 4, 2018. That day changed mine and my family’s life forever. My words were starting to come out slurred and I did not know why. Fast forward thirteen months and I am reminded daily of the severity of this horrible disease. In November of 2018, I stopped driving, and eating or drinking anything by mouth. I am also on breathing assistance during sleep and my hands don’t really work anymore. I can no longer speak at all and use an iPad with text to voice apps on it. Fatigue is one of the hardest things to deal with as I ‘run out of gas’ at the most minimal movements. My family helps with everyday living challenges and my wife is exceptional at keeping me grounded and happy.

I am happy. I’m happy because I have my family and friends and the ALS Society to help me navigate through this time in my life. The ALS Society has introduced me to many people that know exactly how I feel and we can communicate our thoughts and issues. I can borrow whatever equipment I need and the Society is there immediately to make sure everything is in order – how cool is that?! My family and I may be living with ALS but the Society makes things so much better and for that, I can’t thank them enough.”

Thank you so much, for sharing your story and your kind words about the Society. We are always so grateful to hear stories about how the Society can help.

June 13 - Len Landry

We are so excited to share Len Landry’s Making it Possible sotry for day 13 of ALS Awareness Month.

“I was diagnosed with ALS in September 2013. I had symptoms for about a year and wasn’t too sure what was going on. It is amazing how much love I was shown that I didn’t expect from people from my past and present. 

I grew up having fun, with a sense of humor and I’m kind of crazy. That’s just part of my DNA and that never changed, even since being diagnosed with ALS. Like I told my daughter ‘rough and tough and hard to bluff and ‘you gotta stay positive’, so I may as well practice what I preach.  When I was still living at home I wrote ‘you gotta stay positive’ on her bathroom mirror with her lipstick to remind her, it’s going to be okay.

I know I am in the best home now that I can be in at the Good Samaritan. The staff here are great and I feel pretty lucky and blessed to be here. My favourite time is lunch/dinner where I can be the “class clown” and make other’s laugh. Not to mention our social group, we call ourselves “The Southside Wheelers” as we all like to get out and about watch some sports and still go for the odd beer. There is no judgement as we all have different diagnoses.

I can’t be any more grateful than I am for the ALS Society and everything they have done for me through all their support and equipment provided. I feel very blessed.”

June 12 - Les Bodnarchuk

On day 12 of ALS Awareness Month, we are sharing Les Bodnarchuk’s Making it Possible story.

In November 2016 I started experiencing some loss of mobility in my right foot.  In August 2017 I was diagnosed with ALS.  Since then I have been attending the ALS Clinic at South Health.  The entire staff at the ALS Clinic are there with me every step of the way and provide tremendous support in helping with the changes.  As the disease progressed, I realize how fortunate I was to be supported by the ALS Society.  At each turn of events the ALS Society provided valuable pieces of equipment, advice, and emotional support.   This helped me maintain quality of life and allowed me to stay in my home with the help of my wife, Jean.

Last December, with the support of the ALS Clinic, the ALS Society of Alberta and the ALS Society staff in Ottawa, I was able to attend my daughter’s wedding in Ottawa.  As an added bonus, I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle and have the first dance.  Thank you everyone for helping create a beautiful memory.

Early on in this disease, I promised myself that I would not be bitter or angry.  I try not to look back on my life and activities. My world and capabilities are shrinking.  Facing each day brings challenges that are mentally and physically exhausting.  I chose to view my daily life through a positive lens.

This year for Betty’s Run, I chose ‘Making Lemonade’ as my team name.

There's an old adage that says, ’When life hands you lemons, make lemonade’.

It is a phrase that gets used and said without much depth or detail. If you do nothing, the lemons will dry up, shrink and go moldy.  Or you can open it up and squeeze every drop out of it.  For me, I could not do this myself.

I have been humbled to the core of my heart with support in helping me ‘make lemonade’.  

ALS is causing a moving target of physical and emotional needs.  It has taken a large village to provide the support and equipment required for me to make the most of each day.