I first noticed something was wrong when I was working on my car. I was tightening bolts when I realized I couldn’t let go of the wrench. My hand just wouldn’t open.

I brushed it off, but about a year later, more symptoms showed up. I went to my family doctor and from there I was referred from one specialist to another, back to another doctor, until I finally found myself at the ALS Clinic. I was initially diagnosed with PLS but after an EMG showed how my symptoms were progressing, my diagnosis was changed to ALS.

It’s been difficult. Every moment, every breath, every step, is a reminder that I have ALS.

This is why I say “I do the ALS Walk everyday”.

It’s not just an event. It’s my life. I walk with ALS through every challenge, every adjustment, every small victory. But along the way I’ve learned something important: to truly receive, we have to be willing to give first.

So I give by showing up. I wear my ALS Society of Alberta T-shirt proudly on my daily walks at the rec centre. It’s more than a shirt, it’s a signal. It’s an invitation to talk, to connect, and to raise awareness.

When people ask, I share my story. Not because it’s easy, but because someone out there needs to hear it.

I hope that by being open, I encourage others to give too. Whether they give of their time, their resources, or their compassion.

Because ALS doesn’t just take. It teaches.

It teaches you to value the steps you can still take.

It teaches you to speak even when your voice trembles.

It teaches you to give, so others can find hope in your strength.

This is my walk. And I’m still walking.