Katherine Gartner
“I am honoured to be 2020’s Ambassador for the ALS Betty’s Run and would like to share my story with you. Just before moving back to Calgary in September 2017, I was experiencing a limp in my right leg which became progressively worse over the next year. During this time, my family doctor began to order tests, starting with an ultrasound which unfortunately found bladder cancer but nothing regarding my limp. Then came CTs, MRIs and then a referral to a Physiatrist for EMG and nerve conduction tests. The physiatrist then referred me to the ALS Clinic. That was the first time I had heard of ALS, what it is and the terrifying prognosis.
The hardest part of accepting ALS was when I had to decline my practicum for college, that was when I understood, I would never be able to work again. In the last 6 months, as the disease progresses, it has really begun to kick in that I have ALS. This transition has been challenging, but the ALS society has helped so much through this journey. Michelle is my ALS Society of Alberta coordinator and the friendship and support she has given to myself and my family cannot not be measured. She is truly a ray of sunshine on some dark days.
As I continue my journey, I now understand what others meant when they said to enjoy the small things in life. The many things we take for granted are gone and I now see the joy and beauty in the little things, and yes, smelling the flowers along the way. You won’t know what you are going to miss until it is taken away. So far, what I miss the most is getting out at night to look up at the stars.
I have one piece of advice to people newly diagnosed or living with ALS. That is to take advantage of your abilities before they are taken from you. I put off travelling when I was physically able, I thought I could wait, and I waited too long. Carpe Diem!”