Making It Possible - Announcement

The first day of June marks the beginning of ALS Awareness Month: our annual opportunity to inspire empathy and action around this debilitating and irreversible disease. Every year, we take the opportunity to collect personal stories from many members of our tightly-woven ALS community and share them with a wide audience. We do this to give clients and families the platform to highlight the struggles and triumphs of their journey, in the name of care, hope and community. 

Please anticipate these daily stories across our social media feeds, as well as here on our website under the “News” section.

Alberta Apparel's Collaboration with Mikael and Frida Backlund Raises Nearly $20,000 through Crewneck Sweater Sales

Alberta Apparel, in partnership with Mikael Backlund, center for the Calgary Flames, and his wife Frida Backlund, were proud to announce a charitable contribution of $19,500 to the ALS Society of Alberta. The donation comes after the Backlunds designed a crewneck sweater through a special fundraiser in collaboration with Alberta Apparel, where 65 per cent of proceeds from the sale of the sweaters were pledged to support the ALS Society of Alberta.

The ALS Society of Alberta is a charitable organization dedicated to making each day the best possible day for people living with and affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). By offering support services including the Equipment Loan Program, advocacy, and funding research, the Society strives to make a positive impact in the lives of those living with ALS in Alberta.

The Backlunds have been long-time supporters of the ALS Society of Alberta, raising awareness and demonstrating their commitment to the cause through their partnership with Alberta Apparel, among many other incredible initiatives. In addition to their fundraising, Mikael and Frida host a family every month at a Calgary Flames game, making lasting memories for families dealing with such a devastating disease.

During the official presentation on May 24 at the ALS Society office, Alberta Apparel, Mikael, and Frida Backlund were honored to hand over a donation of $19,500 to the ALS Society of Alberta. The funds will be allocated towards the Society's client support services in Alberta, with a particular focus on the Equipment Loan Program.

The Equipment Loan Program is an essential initiative of the ALS Society of Alberta, providing much-needed equipment free of charge to individuals and families living with and affected by ALS throughout the province. The program ensures that those facing the challenges of ALS have access to specialized equipment that can significantly enhance their quality of life. This includes items such as mobility aids, communication devices, and respiratory support equipment.

"We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from our fans, the community, and Alberta Apparel," said Mikael Backlund. "Through this fundraiser, we aimed to make a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS. The donation to the ALS Society of Alberta will help provide vital resources and support to individuals living with this devastating disease, and we are honored to contribute to such a worthy cause that means so much to us."

The ALS Society of Alberta extends its deepest gratitude to Mikael Backlund, Frida Backlund, and Alberta Apparel for their dedication and commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by ALS. Their generous donation will make a significant difference in the ALS community in Alberta.

2023 Camrose Walk Together for ALS Ambassador - Lori Huolt

Each year, the Camrose Walk Together for ALS Committee selects an Ambassador to help raise awareness about what it is like to live with ALS. We are proud to introduce Lori Huolt as the 2023 Camrose Walk Together for ALS Ambassador. Read her story below.

My journey started a little more than 4 years ago when I received the news, “You have ALS.” Those words shattered my world. How could this be? I felt healthy, happy and strong despite a little trouble with my right hand. As we know sometimes life has a way of throwing curve balls when we least expect it and I thought to myself, “We now have to play this new ballgame.”

Sharing this diagnosis with my family and friends was really difficult. Once the shock of this news was realized, the outpouring of love and support was truly amazing as they rallied around me and we started down this path. We have always tried to live every day in the best possible way and this was a real-world reminder of how important it truly is to not take any day for granted and never pass up the opportunity to say “I love you.”

It took some time to reevaluate our new situation and we started planning for the new future that I have been dealt. We have been blessed to have been able to travel a lot in life and have met many great people who frequently reach out just to say “Hi” and “I hope you are doing well.” This means so much to me. The world is full of great and kind people.

We continue to travel when possible and this is in part due to the great support I receive from the ALS Society of Alberta. I have been provided with many items that help to make my everyday life more comfortable and help me deal with the difficulties that ALS brings with it. When the ALS Society receives your donation, be assured that those of us with this disease appreciate the support!

My happy place continues to be my family as we are so lucky to be a close knit family and we have always faced any adversity together. My husband, sons, daughter-in-laws and our very special granddaughters, Blake and Annie, are my shining lights - how lucky am I? As ALS has limited my ability to communicate with my granddaughters, we have developed an amazing way to communicate with no words required - they are truly my world!

My final message to everyone… Please do not feel sorry for me. Continue to smile. Life is good - not perfect but so very close!

2023 Dueling Pianos for ALS

The Drayton Valley Walk Together for ALS Committee is hosting their annual Dueling Pianos for ALS event on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Join in as they welcome Court Jester Dueling Pianos and Sean Sonego back for another night of dueling piano fun in support of a great cause! For those joining from out of town, a block of rooms has been booked at Ramada by Wyndham Drayton Valley. Call 780-514-7861 and mention room block DV WALK FOR ALS to book.

2023 Edmonton Walk Together for ALS Ambassador - Colleen Olson

Each year, the Edmonton Walk Together for ALS Committee selects an Ambassador to help raise awareness about what it is like to live with ALS. We are proud to introduce Colleen Olson as the 2023 Edmonton Walk Together for ALS Ambassador.

Hi! I’m Colleen Olson, and I have been an ALS warrior since my diagnosis on June 11, 2021.

My pre-ALS life was crazy busy and physically active. I completed a half marathon the year I turned 50 and normally walked at least 5 km daily with my dog Obi. I initiated fitness challenges at work,
competing against others who were mostly 15-20 years younger than me. The beast that is ALS started to change my life’s journey with symptoms starting the summer of 2020 – I just didn’t know they were symptoms of anything, never mind ALS.

Looking back, I can identify a number of symptoms that showed their faces in the summer of 2020. There was the extreme cramping in my left leg, which often woke me up at night. I explained it away as a lack of magnesium or dehydration. The muscle twitching in my abdomen, which I found odd but ignored. The sharp pain I got when I occasionally lifted something heavy, which I thought might be a hernia but was really my core muscles spasming.

In late August 2020, I was walking my dog with a friend and fell when my dog did a hard jerk on the leash. I got up feeling foolish and continued the last kilometer of the walk feeling fine. The next day I was walking down the street to my neighbours and realized that I was not walking normally. To make a long story short, the limp got worse and, by February 2021, had turned into foot drop. The road to diagnosis started in March 2021 with physio visits, MRIs, EMGs, and finally the visit to the neurologist who confirmed what I already believed (the physiatrist’s report indicating possible Motor Neuron Disease was all I needed to research what was going on).

So, I have ALS, what next? Having so much to think about caused an inability to sleep. I could not focus at work and left on disability within two weeks of the diagnosis. My husband, who was working in BC at the time, retired about a month later so we could spend more time together. He is an amazing guy who does everything he can to make my life wonderful.

Next were appointments, appointments, appointments, lots of appointments! There are the ALS Clinic’s multidiscipline appointments, where I see six or seven medical professionals, who all take great care of me. Infusion appointments, ten days each month to receive one of the progression delaying drugs. Appointments for the drug study I am able to participate in, and finally, the appointments for the two research studies I participated in. At first, all of this was overwhelming, but once we got into a routine, it did not seem so bad. I have met so many wonderful people through the appointments.

Over the past couple of years, we have taken a couple of vacation trips. We have gone on one to Niagara Falls, one to Vegas, and we have a cruise to Alaska booked for this coming July. Careful planning for my needs before we go has made the trips go smoothly. These trips are wonderful, but the best times leaving our home are to see family and friends.

We are blessed to have five wonderful grandchildren, and another on the way! These little humans bring me so much joy. We are also blessed to have extended family who have made visiting me a priority. In the summer of 2022, we had most of my sisters and their families come for a family reunion. It made my heart so full to have us all together having fun. Having an active social life with wonderful friends who either host or come to our place for coffee, dinner, or game nights is also incredible. All of this personal contact is medicine for the soul, and I am very grateful that so many bring sunshine to my life.

Last summer, I was overjoyed to be able to go for walks again, as the ALS Society of Alberta loaned me a Colibri power scooter. What a difference being able to get out on the trails I used to walk made to my days. The fresh air and being able to go with my husband when he walked our dogs really helped my state of mind. I hope that I am still strong enough to do it again this summer!

The scooter is not the only thing I have received on loan from the ALS Society of Alberta. Since registering in the fall of 2021, I have also borrowed a wheelchair, a platform walker, and a porch lift. The equipment loan program really helps keep out of pocket costs down, and I am very thankful that it exists.

The ALS Society of Alberta has provided me with so much more than equipment. The Client Services Coordinators have also provided me with support over the past year and a half. They are very special people who like to learn about you individually and remember what is going on in your life. I regularly attend the ALS Support group for those diagnosed with ALS. The Society organizes this group and it has been something that I look forward to both for information from other patients and for fellowship with people who understand what I am going through. The hour and a half, twice a month, meetings are a time where we joke and laugh but also cry and support. The people in the group get to be like a family.

Since my diagnosis, my mantra has been, “Nobody is guaranteed a tomorrow.” Some may think that having a mantra like that is morbid, I believe that the phrase is all about living your best life today. This does not mean that I don’t have sad moments, I definitely do, but I am a practical person who is thankful for the abundance of blessings that I have in my life.

2023 Betty's Run for ALS Ambassador - Ralph Scott

Each year, the Betty’s Run for ALS Committee selects an Ambassador, who helps raise awareness about what it is like to live with ALS. We are proud to introduce Ralph Scott as the Ambassador for the 2023 Betty’s Run for ALS!

“Hello, my name is Ralph Scott and the journey to my ALS diagnosis began with several years of health issues. My previous family physician dismissed issues due to me being a Type 2 diabetic and upon his retirement, I was lucky that Dr. Gradwell agreed to take me on as a patient.  The first thing this new Dr. said to me was “go ahead and tell me how you’re feeling, I’m listening”.  What a complete 180 as my previous physician would always say “listen to me”.  During the introductory appointment, we reviewed my medical history and weight loss and he advised me that my calcium levels were quite high going back to 2007. Several months later after surgery for “hyperparathyroidism” the little toe on my right foot didn’t feel right. After consulting with Dr. Gradwell a referral to Alberta Neurological Centre was booked. In November 2021 after two consultations, I was diagnosed with ALS. At first, I was devastated, but the more I thought about it the more it made sense. My main concern is for my wife, Susan, and our family as I was worried about them and our future. As time goes by, I’m more accepting of my condition and what is in the future for us.

In my career in transportation, I’ve worn many different hats from driver/owner operator to administration of various companies. I ask myself if the petroleum and chemicals where we were required to top load the tankers without proper personal protective equipment played a part in ALS.      

In 2018, Susan and I downsized and moved into a new home in Mahogany, which turned out to be a blessing due to the proximity of the ALS clinic at the South Calgary Health Campus. In 2019 our miniature Daschunds; Fiona & Kelci came into our lives, originally we had planned on only one puppy. Fiona chose Susan, and Kelci chose me. As we were leaving discussing which puppy we wanted the breeder messaged us asking if we would consider both puppies. Kelci was born with a congenital eye condition and she was concerned no one would adopt her and did not want her to be alone - we agreed and there’s not been a dull moment since!  We are also very thankful that just prior to the diagnosis,  my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter Aurora moved back to Calgary from Victoria.  My son also lives in the city, and Susan’s son is in Vancouver, it’s wonderful to have such a great support system.

Upon being diagnosed, the support system through the ALS Clinic as well as the ALS Society of Alberta was activated within days. I am so thankful for everyone who has become part of my care team – all are so dedicated, compassionate, and sincere beyond belief.  Currently, I’m undergoing Radacava treatments which require infusion for 10 days within a 14-day period followed by 14 days off.  I am also participating in a clinical trial through the University of Calgary with Berchman, Cassidy, and Janet.

There are two things in life that I believe, one is that the journey of your life is a path already planned for you. Second, a colleague once said to me that “adversity doesn’t build character, it brings it out”, I believe this to be so true. Throughout our lives, we experience many forms of adversity and grow and learn from it. It would be easy for me to be in a room with the lights turned off and hugging my knees rocking back and forth, this would accomplish nothing. I choose to accept the challenges I’ve been dealt and be forever grateful for all that I have in my life rather than mourn what I’ve lost.”

ALS Climb for a Cure

At the end of January, Albertan Chris Clarke, alongside 3 close friends, will climb Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest summit) in honour of his father, Aussie, who lived with ALS. Aussie resided in Edmonton and was supported by the ALS Society of Alberta, after his diagnosis in July 2021. 

We are honoured that Chris has chosen to donate 50 per cent of funds raised to the ALS Society of Alberta, going toward the Equipment Loan Program and Client Services across the province. With a fundraising goal of $20,000, this contribution is sure to make a significant difference in the lives of those living with and affected by ALS in Alberta.

When speaking of his father, Chris said “our world changed quite a lot. Things moved really quickly. Within the course of a few months of his diagnosis, he had lost the ability to move independently without aides, and then a few months later he had vocal changes and ultimately lost his ability to speak.”

“The ALS Society of Alberta is an incredible community organization that provided my family and others like ours with a support network and vital equipment including wheelchairs and mechanical lifts, free of charge, allowing us to manage Dad’s care at home for as long as was possible. For context, the care and equipment cost of ALS to a family is on average between $150,000 - 250,000,” explained Chris. 

On behalf of the ALS Society of Alberta, we’d like to thank Chris Clarke for his incredible bravery and dedication to the ALS cause. A whopping 19,431 summit, Christopher’s climb of Mount Kilimanjaro will not only raise much needed funds for ALS, but awareness across the community as his story is shared.

We will be sharing updates from Chris’s journey, and we encourage you to follow the ALS Society of Alberta to hear the latest news.

Mikael Backlund & Alberta Apparel: Crewneck Fundraiser

We are honoured that Mikael and Frida Backlund have chosen the ALS Society of Alberta as a partner in their work with Alberta Apparel. Over 50% of the revenue from this sweater sale will be donated to the ALS Society of Alberta, helping to fund programs and services across the province. Thank you, Mikael, Frida and Alberta Apparel for this amazing initiative!

GivingTuesday 2022: Making That Game Possible

Blake shares his GivingTuesday story and photos to thank you, our supporters, for making our Equipment Loan Program possible. In turn, our program makes going to events such as a Flames game a reality.

When asked what the Equipment Loan program has meant to him and his family, Blake Termeer replied “Everything - The power chair and the lift are a lifeline, and such a blessing. I don’t know what I would do without them. They allow me to get out and enjoy activities.”

Recently, Blake and his family were able to attend the Flames game, courtesy of Mikael Backlund. The power chair and lift make it possible for Blake to remain mobile in his home, while also getting out for events such as this. Your support of the equipment loan program, and Mikael’s generosity, made That Game possible for Blake and his family.

Thank you for your support of our programs, that continue to make so much possible for families such as Blake’s.

GivingTuesday 2022: Heather's Story - Choosing Joy

It is our honour to share Heather Lucier’s Digital Story, where she shares her experience of daughter Jessie’s diagnosis and time spent living with ALS. Their story of resiliency, meaning, and choosing joy while living with ALS is a story of love, caregiving, pride, and family - and it reflects the spirit of so very many of our families.

We wanted to share this very personal story with you, our supporters, on GivingTuesday. Your support continues to help families, caregivers, and clients across this province, as they strive to choose joy and live all of life’s possibilities while facing ALS. Please take a moment to watch Heather’s story - Thank you Heather for sharing your experience.

Digital Storyteller Mike Lang has worked with hundreds of patients, family members and health care providers, from across all injury and illness groups, to help them create short 3 min Digital Stories of their experiences. Thank you Mike for the beautiful stories you have helped many of our families tell.

GivingTuesday 2022: Making The Journey Possible

Our client Sheldon Watt shares his GivingTuesday story, highlighting how the ALS Society of Alberta and the Equipment Loan Program are invaluable on his journey with ALS.

My name is Sheldon Watt, and I was diagnosed with ALS in the summer of 2021.  I had just recently retired from my career as a Parts Person, and was looking forward to enjoying a more relaxed pace at our home in the little community of Carbon.  However, this would be my new journey now.

By the end of 2021, I had noticed considerable decline in the strength in my arms.  Within the first quarter of 2022, I was starting to use aids to walk, and by mid-year, I was using a wheelchair on a regular basis.  That is where the ALS Society and their equipment loan program came to our aid.

They have provided me with numerous pieces of equipment at no cost such as an adaptable wheelchair, wheelchair lift, bath aids, stair lift, just to name a few.  We are so thankful for this program!  An ALS diagnosis is a costly journey for families that often includes home modifications, a wheelchair adaptive vehicle as well as full-time care assistance.  Having the support of the ALS Society and their valuable programs is so important for families navigating this difficult and challenging journey.  I know we would be lost without them.  Thank you so much for supporting the ALS Society on Giving Tuesday - we appreciate any support you are able to provide to this program.

GivingTuesday 2022: Making a Stroll With Friends Possible

Our client Roger Plante is thankful for your generosity during GivingTuesday, which has helped provide equipment that makes activities such as strolls with friends and family such as Tyrion (pictured here) possible.

The ALS Society of Alberta has been a great supportive organization. Since my diagnosis in February 2022, they have always been there for me. Their equipment loan program is amazing. I have gotten a hospital bed and lift from them. Those have been returned now but I still have my power chair. It's been amazing to spend time with my family or to go out shopping for myself like I used to.

GivingTuesday 2022: Making Outdoor Adventures Possible

Our client, Gordon James, is thankful for your support that allows him to get out and explore our beautiful province. He shares his story to kick off GivingTuesday on November 29th, as we raise funds for our invaluable Equipment Loan Program.

The news that one has been diagnosed with ALS knocks the wind out of anyone’s sail. But then a lot of lifelines and support appear to help one manage your new reality – family, friends, the ALS Clinic, the ALS Society of Alberta, your family doctor and Home Care.

They all play an important role. One loss for me that was hard to come to grips with was decreasing independence and mobility. While we never fully regain these aspects of our lives, the ALS Society has made this transition easier through their equipment loan program. A walker, transporter wheelchair and a ride-on EScooter along with other items all made life easier for our family.

A favorite spot for us has been Kananaskis – close to Calgary with good hiking trails. ALS didn’t change this – same closeness and enough paved pathways. Two favorites of ours are the pathway around the Pomeroy Hotel near the Nakiska Ski Hill and Mount Lorette Ponds Trail. The walker and/or the transporter chair both work for us in these spots. There are handicapped parking spots in both places.

In Calgary I use the ride-on EScooter to navigate the streets and park pathways in our Northwest neighborhood. My daughters and I will often take our neighbours new Labrador puppy (“Coco”) for a walk with us. She’s full of unlimited energy and before every walk she bounds up to me on the EScooter and gives me a face wash. And during the walk she glances at me from time to time to see where I am and periodically will bound over to me and yep, I get another face wash. And the times I don’t go for a walk, Coco will run to the EScooter and sniff the empty seat  as if asking “Where’s my man?”. We think her affection and concern for me is because she senses something is wrong with me.

I am sure over the coming year with the continued support of the ALS Society we can continue to get out and explore on the mobility devices. Thanks to the ALS Society and the many donors who help Alberta’s ALS patients stay mobile!

GivingTuesday 2022: Making Quality Time at Home Possible

Margaret Dow and Jim Brule began their ALS journey in June of 2022. Margaret had a horrific fall as a result of weakness to her legs. At the time she was unaware that ALS was even a possibility, but more symptoms followed: numerous more falls; losing her ability to speak; and difficulties swallowing and breathing.  The next two months consisted of doctor and neurologist appointments, with a rapid admission to hospital so that her breathing and nutritional needs could be addressed. While in hospital, a nurse had mentioned to Jim that he should connect with the ALS Society of Alberta. Jim immediately called, while Margaret was in surgery, in fact. From that initial registration, Margaret and Jim’s lives have been forever changed.  

As Jim states, “The ALS Society has been the best thing, the best decision we have ever made. We are very thankful to have the hospital bed because of its adaptability. Margaret is now able to sleep comfortably with the head of the bed up so she doesn’t choke when lying flat. The rails are also keeping her safe”. The IV pole supplied by the Society assists with Margaret’s tube feeding, providing her with adequate nutrition, and leading to improved mood and energy. Both Margaret and Jim identify the staff at the ALS Society as very welcoming and helpful in guiding and assisting them through this entire ordeal. 

Having these aides in place has allowed them to remain close to one another as they had hoped to while aging. Margaret’s hospital bed lays next to Jim’s in their bedroom where they can continue to be together through the nights. They can still sit together in their living room watching their favorite tv shows while Margaret receives her tube feeds. These are some of the small moments of affection that so many take for granted, that, with one life-changing diagnosis, can make them the most precious moments of one’s life. Jim and Margaret are thankful to you, our community of supporters, for helping to make their home warm and connected while living with ALS.  

GivingTuesday 2022: Making That Concert Possible

 Dennis Rommel is our 2022 Edmonton Walk Together for ALS Ambassador, and his story is about enjoying music and friendship as he continues to make things possible while living with ALS. We are thankful to you, our community of supporters, for helping us to provide equipment and support to Dennis and Lorna to help make experiences like this possible.

 Earlier this year, I wrote an email inquiring about information regarding the Quonset Days concert to Janet Biemans. I told her about my diagnosis with ALS, and that I was the Ambassador for Walk Together for ALS in Edmonton. Janet generously offered me and Lorna four free tickets for the concert day of my choice, and we decided on the Friday concert: Tim & The Glory Boys, and The Reklaws.

We asked friends Joe & Loretta to go with us to the concert. We went to their house in Didsbury on Thursday, had a great catch up visit and spent the night. Got up Friday morning & off to Medicine Hat. Rode in style as Joe & Loretta took us in their motor home and towing their car too.

Lorna & I stayed at Days Inn, Joe & Loretta in their motor home. Got ready to go out to Quonset Days at Seven Persons. Was an awesome road to Medicine Hat & back to Didsbury on Saturday. We all enjoyed the concert & the weather was great too.

 Thanks to Biemans family, and to Joe & Loretta for sharing this event with us. Appreciate your friendship.

GivingTuesday 2022: Making the Equipment Loan Program Possible

Thomas and Trevor in the ALS Society of Alberta’s Equipment Warehouse

As part of GivingTuesday 2022, we wanted to highlight how your donations are put to work as part of the Equipment Loan Program, helping make mobility, communication and a safe home possible for so many families.

The Equipment Loan Program is the heart of our supports and services. Our team works with members of the Allied Health Team such as Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists to ensure that our clients receive safe, reliable equipment that is appropriate for their homes and needs.

As a result of your generous donations, the Society provides everything from small equipment including adapted cutlery and button hooks, to boogie boards and iPads for communication with loved ones, all the way to power wheelchairs and lifts for safe mobility in the home and community. Our series of GivingTuesday stories this coming week highlights just how important these items are to our families, and how vital your support therefore is.

We know our community is certainly appreciative of what your support provides - in 2021, the Equipment Loan Program supplied over 1500 pieces of equipment to families in Alberta living with ALS, all at no cost. Busy days in the warehouse can see upward of 20 pieces of equipment going out the door, all managed by our small and dedicated team. The cost of equipment needed during ALS can easily exceed $100,000, so our program truly is a vital and valued form of assistance to our families.

Our Equipment Loan Program is such a critical part of our mission at the ALS Society and our community as a whole, working to ensure that our families can maintain their quality of life, safe mobility, and communication with loved ones. And this program is all thanks to you, our supporters and donors. Thank you so much for helping to keep this vital program going by donating to GivingTuesday 2022.

GivingTuesday 2022: Together, Making Gratitude Possible

As we spent time reflecting on previous GivingTuesdays, we discovered that the thank you notes we received truly told our community’s story. The gratitude conveyed moved us, and we are sharing some this week as we lead up to GivingTuesday 2022.

Our mission, that all our staff, board and volunteers truly live by, is to make each day the best possible day for those living with and affected by ALS. Seeing these notes of thanks tells us that because of your generosity, and your donations, we are able to truly make a difference – and help make the seemingly impossible, possible while living with ALS.

With gratitude, we share just a few of your messages.

GivingTuesday - Save the Date!

November 29th is GivingTuesday, the global movement for giving and volunteering that takes place each year after Black Friday. The “opening day of the giving season,” it’s a time when charities, companies and individuals join together and rally for causes close to their heart. We hope that on GivingTuesday you will help us raise funds to continue to support our families in the Alberta ALS community.

Every year we at the ALS Society of Alberta share stories about how the Society helps “Making it Possible,” or “Making Possibilities” for our families. A big part of our mission to make each day the best possible day for Albertans living with ALS is to make the impossible, possible for them and their families - and we continue to fulfill our mission with your support. For GivingTuesday this year, we wanted to share our gratitude for you, our community and supporters, whose generosity makes so much possible for our families.

Because of you, in 2021 we were able to loan out 1561 pieces of equipment to the almost 450 families that we supported. And we know those pieces of equipment are what allow life to continue as normally as possible - they make communication possible… travel possible… staying at home possible… and visiting friends and family possible.

We rely on the support of community members like you to ensure we are there for each person and family who needs us. The sense of community has been so important for our clients, their families and caregivers. This year for Giving Tuesday, we are going to share stories of so much that is possible because of our community of support. Thank you for being part of it.

Watch our website and social media for stories this month… including why donors give to us, the impact that we can make, and the personal stories about what our equipment and support makes possible for our families.

We hope you will consider a gift on GivingTuesday, either through a donation; reaching out to a caregiver or family living with ALS to see how they are doing; a facebook fundraiser; or simply helping spread the word.

Featured Fundraiser: Blonde Ambition

Over the last year, we have been fortunate to connect with Sabrina Baker, the owner of Blonde Ambition. Blonde Ambition is a lifestyle brand, apparel, and design shop in southern Alberta. Blonde Ambition does more than most brands; it shines a light on community fundraising and hope. We want to thank and recognize Sabrina for her work and the impact she has made in the community. Sabrina shared with us what makes the ALS Society of Alberta a cause close to her heart and the story of how ALS has impacted her family.

In October 2021, Sabrina’s father was diagnosed with limb onset ALS. Sabrina’s love and pride for her dad is impossible to miss when she speaks of him and his inspiring life. She effortlessly paints a picture of a kind and generous father, friend, and community member, someone who is a fighter and sees the best in every day. This did not change when he was diagnosed with ALS. Sabrina notes that he always does his best to continue moving forward and doing what he loves, like spending time with family and walking his dog.

Sabrina shared that her dad continues to work with her and Blonde Ambition to this day. He helps in whatever way he can! Sabrina took a page from her father’s book and dove right into supporting the ALS community when her dad was diagnosed. She used her business and community connection to create a fundraising campaign with the message of hope and one day at a time. Sabrina shared with us that when life gets hard, her way of giving it back is doing something unique, and she really has!

Sabrina was proud to recognize that her dad has always been the kind of person to give back to anyone and everyone, even if he didn’t have it to give. “Giving back is just a part of us. We have always given back to charities as long as we have been able. It is the backbone of who we are as a business. We believe if we are in a position to help, we should do so, also while raising awareness for some amazing charities.” Blonde Ambition has donated almost $40,000 to date to local charities. When her dad was diagnosed, they saw firsthand the costs associated with the changes and new requirements. They shared that their family immediately knew they had to give back to the ALS Society of Alberta to help families in similar situations across the province. Sabrina recognized that she is very fortunate that her husband is a man of many trades and has been able to help her dad with many new challenges, like building a roll-in shower and making everything accessible and more manageable for him. She noted that she understands this impact on her family and what support could mean for other families.

Sabrina gives back to the community through fundraising campaigns focused on specific charities, using profits from sales. For the ALS Society of Alberta, Sabrina created an inspiring “one day at a time” line, providing hope to those struggling. The line included beautiful shirts and key chains with the inspiring message.

Sabrina did not stop with just one donation; she is a regular supporter of the ALS Society of Alberta with contributions made throughout the year. We are fortunate and gracious of Sabrina’s fundraising efforts for the ALS Society of Alberta. The funds raised from Sabrina and Blonde Ambition will support individuals diagnosed with ALS in Alberta and their families. We also appreciate the community support from those who purchased from the campaign. You can visit Blonde Ambition online at www.blondeambition.ca

If you have an idea for a fundraising campaign, please reach out to us at alscommunications@alsab.ca

The Equipment Loan Program Team - The Unsung Heroes of our Organization

Richard, Thomas and Trevor in the ALS Society of Alberta’s Equipment Warehouse

The ALS Society of Alberta’s Equipment Warehouse can be overwhelming when you first see it, in part due to the size and scope of the space itself. But also overwhelming to see in one place the massive amount of equipment required for someone living with ALS. As a family navigates the diagnosis and progression of ALS, our equipment team is here to support them in any way that they can, often going above and beyond to ensure our families have exactly what they need.

The Equipment Loan Program, with the support of Client Services, is the heart of our supports and services. Our families quickly learn how daunting the amount of equipment needed for someone living with ALS is, and the potential cost associated. Our program is here to fill in the gaps that exist in other programs in order to meet the needs of our families in Alberta. Working with members of the Allied Health Team such as Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists ensures we can provide safe, reliable equipment that is appropriate for the client’s situation. Our team provides mobility and communication equipment at every step of the ALS journey, lifting the stress of sourcing equipment while also removing the financial burden.

The Society provides everything from small equipment including adapted cutlery and button hooks, to boogie boards and iPads for communication with loved ones, all the way to power wheelchairs and lifts for safe mobility in the home and community. Our small but mighty team of Trevor, Thomas and Richard manages the hundreds of requests as they recycle the equipment in and out of the warehouse.

Turnaround time can be as quick as one day, and up to a week for more complicated requests that might require one of our valued vendor partners for delivery and installation.

The team has a “can do” approach to their work, all having such a positive impact on the ALS Society team with their attitudes and care for our clients. The families come first - our team will hear about an emergency facing a family - someone needing to get to respite care for a day but not having a power chair, or suddenly being unable to have a shower without a new lift or mobility device - and they will go above and beyond to get the equipment out quickly to the client.

We know too that the community is certainly appreciative - in 2021, the Equipment Loan Program supplied over 1500 pieces of equipment to families in Alberta living with ALS, all at no cost. Busy days in the warehouse can see upward of 20 pieces of equipment going out the door, all managed by our small and dedicated team. The cost of equipment needed during ALS can easily exceed $100,000, so our program truly is a vital and valued form of assistance to our families.

The Society is also incredibly appreciative of equipment that is generously donated. Sometimes we aren’t able to accept donations because of inventory levels or space, so please check our website to see the items that we are currently in need of. We also have an Amazon Wishlist of items that are in short supply.

Our Equipment Team is such a critical part of our mission at the ALS Society and our community as a whole, working to ensure that our families can maintain their quality of life, safe mobility, and communication with loved ones. It can be a busy and complicated process that our team handles so well. As Trevor says: “Getting to see, on a daily basis, the impact the Society can have is what keeps me waking up in the morning and coming to work. I couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing.”