ALS gave me a different perspective

Here and now. After a year and a half of undiagnosed symptoms and testing, in November of 2018 I was diagnosed with ALS. I really remember that day as a transformative one. One moment my doctor was dropping the weight of the world on my shoulders by telling me I have ALS, and the next […]

Maintaining dignity, independence and safety through ALS Canada’s Equipment Loan Program

Mark Vivarais was almost in tears as he walked back to his wife, Sandra, from a washroom at an outdoor outlet mall in Florida. He’d been stuck in there for half an hour, struggling to pull himself up from the low toilet seat. “That’s when it hit me,” Sandra recalled. “Oh my god, this is […]

COVID-19 and the impact of your donor dollars

Because of supporters like you, in addition to the $10,000 match that was offered by ALS Canada’s dear friend, Deirdre, $24,000 was raised for the ALS Canada COVID-19 Urgent Response Fund and it has helped to evolve our programs for people and families living with ALS. How has the COVID-19 Urgent Response Fund made a […]

The virtual Walk to End ALS was a day to remember

I reached out to you on June 1 to invite you to join us in 21 Days to Make a Difference. You embraced the daily activities across social media platforms and openly shared your stories, photos, memories, and experiences. What I saw happen online was a community that came together in anticipation of something big! […]

A Duty to help

ALS shatters dreams no matter when it strikes. For Deane Gorsline, 31, and his wife, Danielle, living with ALS means letting go of a lifetime of dreams. Focusing on the present helps them stay positive, whether it’s enjoying precious time with their new puppy, Trigger, or supporting the ALS community they belong to by joining […]

Daughter raises record amount for virtual Walk to End ALS

Jocelyne Gall is doing her best to support her dad, Bill, who was diagnosed with ALS in July 2018. As the only child of divorced parents, she is the only family member attending to her dad’s needs – and with three young children of her own, she has a lot to manage. While her situation […]

Uncharted territory just “part of the journey” for 2020 virtual Walk participants

Even a high level of awareness about ALS cannot fully prepare anyone for what it takes to navigate the changes that occur as the disease progresses. Charlotte and Bob Brethour have faced many difficult hurdles, but they still appreciate every day they share together, “even when the best-laid plans have gone awry,” says Charlotte. “We’re […]

How you can fundraise for ALS Canada through Facebook

In late 2018, Facebook began offering the option for Canadians to create fundraisers for nonprofit organizations or for personal causes. Since then many of you have reached out to us with questions about how these giving options can be used to support ALS Canada. We know Facebook can be a quick and easy way to […]

How charitable action inspired a cross-Canada bike journey

Last spring, Mike Leech, 59, approached his plant manager to request a 2-month leave from work to complete a bike ride across Canada for charity. An avid cyclist, he dreamed of cycling coast to coast but he wanted to make it more than just a physical challenge. He wanted to raise awareness and money for […]

Because Of You: ALS Canada’s 2018 Annual Report

Every day, more than 3,000 people and families throughout Ontario and Canada live with the realities of ALS, a devastating disease that takes away dreams, abilities, and lives. But for all ALS takes, it cannot take away our shared desire for a future without this disease. We rely on you – our generous donors – […]

Coach Sunshine’s ‘never quit attitude’ can help change the future of ALS

At the rink where he has coached boys’ ice hockey for more than 10 years, Adam Welburn-Ross, 43, is fondly known as “Coach Sunshine.” He wears his positivity as a badge of honour and now that he is living with ALS, his disposition is helping everyone around him appreciate every precious moment of the day. […]

Community spirit ignites passion to increase ALS awareness

An active mother of three young children, Stephanie Christiansen Hall wants people to know she has ALS – but she wants everyone to know that her disease is only part of her story. Apart from living with ALS, Stephanie is – and has always been – a selfless person with a positive nature, a desire […]