“ALS has changed my life. But, with my community, my girls, and my Pixie Dust, I’m still living with joy, stubbornness, and heart.”
My journey with ALS began when I started to feel weakness in my hands. I didn’t think much of it at first, and ALS certainly didn’t even cross my mind. I’d had major life-altering injuries before and figured I just needed more physio. I started going to physio weekly, but it didn’t help. It was my dear friend Shawna, a nurse, who first suspected it might be something more serious.
After a string of appointments and referrals, I received my diagnosis at the Kaye Clinic in Edmonton in January 2025.
I’ll be honest, the news hit me hard. I broke down. But I’ve always been a tough one, and I quickly told myself that crying about it wasn’t going to change anything. I had to stay focused and determined to figure out how to live with this.
My hand and arm strength declined quickly. I’ve had to relearn how to do a lot of everyday things. Eating, for example, I now just pick up food with my mouth and eat it that way. It might not look typical, but it works for me. I’m not wasting away, and that’s what matters!
I’ve been surrounded by love and support every step of the way. My closest friends, my “outside girls” are incredible. Colleen does my grocery shopping and laundry, and her husband Jim helped set up my space just how I like it. Deila is my power of attorney, and Shawna continues to help manage my medical care. My girls have always been there for me.
I also have homecare four times a day to help with meals and bedtime. They even brush my hair every time I see them. That’s four times a day, and I absolutely love it! I’m so grateful and blessed to live in a community where I’m supported not just by friends and caregivers, but also by my occupational therapist and the ALS Society of Alberta, who check in regularly and ensure I have everything I need.
Before ALS, my life was filled with little paws and wagging tails. I bred Brussels Griffon dogs for 25 years, and they were my world. I showed them professionally and even worked in the grooming shop at Mills Haven Vet Clinic in Sherwood Park. When arthritis made grooming too difficult, I became the Head Instructor at the Alberta School of Dog Grooming for 10 years. My friends used to house-sit my dogs when I was away. Now, they take me to dog shows and make it possible for me to remain connected to the community I love.
One very special pup has stayed by my side though everything. Pixie “Dust,” was born premature with a cleft nose and couldn’t nurse, so I bottle-fed her every hour for five weeks. She survived. She’s my miracle. I don’t care if her nose is upside down, I love her exactly as she is. Pixie brings so much joy, not just to me, but to everyone who visits. People come to see her, pet her, and share in her energy. Since I can’t pet her myself anymore, it means even more to have her close. She’s a tiny half-Griff, only four pounds. She’s my constant companion and sleeps beside me in a handmade crib.
After 22 years of rural living in my mobile home, I made the move to GEF senior housing. Within three months, I found the perfect place, and they welcomed Pixie Dust with open arms. The staff are amazing and treat me so well, and everyone adores my little dog. We’ve truly found our place, and I’m thankful every day.
ALS has brought big changes, yes. But with my community, my girls, and my Pixie Dust, I am still living life with joy, stubbornness, and heart.