Making It Possible #1 – Garry Benson

In the spring of 2023, my legs began getting weak. I have arthritis in most of my joints, so I assumed it was causing the problem. During a regular visit to my physiatrist the following spring, I mentioned the weakness in my legs. Just one week later, I heard the words “You have ALS.” I was terrified! My life, and the lives of my family, were about to change dramatically. Accepting the diagnosis was incredibly difficult, but learning that my disease was not familial ALS brought me peace, knowing it would not be passed on to my family. The disease has only affected my lower body so far.

With tremendous love and support from my family, along with outstanding counseling from the ALS clinic staff and ALS Society of Alberta Client Service Coordinators, I changed my outlook on life. I chose to live my life fully. I now have posters throughout our home that remind me daily: “MAKE EACH AND EVERY DAY COUNT,” “FIGHT TO CONTINUE DOING WHAT YOU LIKE TO DO,” and “FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL.”

I can meet these objectives daily thanks to the ALS Society of Alberta’s Equipment Loan Program. Equipment like a transfer shower seat, transition poles to get out of bed, a porch lift, a scooter, a power chair and even an “off-road” scooter allow me to enjoy our property.

We continue to live life to the fullest. We still attend Flames and Stamps games, theater, dinners out, and rodeos around Alberta. We have plans to continue cruising, and for next winter in Arizona.