Side by Side for ALS Red Deer, Dan Breton!
Hello, my name is Dan Breton. I am living with ALS, and I am the 2026 Red Deer Side by Side for ALS Ambassador.
I was diagnosed about 2.5 years ago and my life has slowly ground to a halt. I’m supported by my wife and three adult kids.Upon visiting my doctor for a regular check up, they noticed my speech was slower, so we started the process of testing what it could possibly be. It took about 4-5months before the actual diagnosis. It was definitely hard to hear and accept. As my mobility started to slow down I started using a cane, my wife was trying to get me to use a walker but I was too proud and stubborn to use one. I would fall frequently and one day I took a really bad fall, landed on my face, and lost 2 teeth. I ended up needing stitches. I swallowed my pride, and now use a walker to help stabilize my balance. I learned the hard way to use the tools out there to prevent injuries. I am very grateful for all the support I get from family and friends and especially the ALS Society of Alberta.
I was pretty active, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping and quadding. My wife and three adult children enjoy doing the same things as I do. Now I can’t walk in the bush anymore to go hunting because the ground is too uneven for me and I don’t have the strength. It was discouraging at first that I could not hunt like I could before. So I ended up calling the Fish and Wildlife to see if there were any options for me. They said I could get a permit to shoot out of my truck which opened up options for hunting, plus I have friends/buddies that help set up hunting blinds so I can sit and still go hunting. I am so grateful to have the support of my friends and loved ones.
I still get to go on vacations, camping, and quadding for the moment and will still continue to do so until I can no longer do it.
I really want to stress that even with all the life changes, sometimes there are new ways to do things. So please don’t give up and talk to friends and family. I have a great support system.
I am excited to see you all for the 2026 Red Deer Side by Side for ALS on June 21 at Bower Ponds Park.
