Welcome to the Faces of ALS
Marcel: Winnipeg
On February 10, 2000, I received confirmation
from my doctor that I had ALS. This did not
come as a surprise to me, as I had been
undergoing tests for almost a year. However, it
still came as quite a shock when I was told I
had ALS, especially since I knew that most
patients only live for two to five years at best. I
knew that my ability to continue with my job
was coming to an end, and in October 2001, I
had to stop working.
I have gone from a very active lifestyle with
family, work and community activities to one of
simply getting through each day. Although my
body is progressively giving out, my mind is still
active and the desire to do things is still very
strong.
My future and dreams lie in the hands of
researchers. back to top
Doreen: Pinawa
Let me tell you about this horrible disease and
how it affected me. Almost four years ago, I
was like you, getting on with life. Then I started
having speech difficulties, and I began choking
on water. In November ’99, I was diagnosed
with bulbar onset ALS. From this, it spread
rapidly to my limbs.
Because of technology now, and the fact that I
think life is precious, I decided to go on a
ventilator and I’m glad I made that choice.
Since I come from Pinawa, a small town, I could
not get the help I needed, so I reside at
Riverview Health Centre where I get excellent
care. So ALS has managed to separate me from
my family.
I am completely paralyzed, except for minimal
movement in a finger and thumb, but enough
to operate my computer. ALS is also paralyzing
my face. At least I won’t get wrinkles! back to top
Kathleen: Winnipeg
I am 52 years old and consider myself
fortunate. I was diagnosed with ALS ten years
ago, so I have already beaten the odds. 2003
has been a tough year for me, though, as I
have lost my ability to stand, walk, write,
type,dress and bathe myself. These losses have
also forced me to give up the job that I love. I
am fortunate to have a loving, caring family
but worry about the toll that this disease will
take on them.
I appreciate the efforts of ALS Society of Manitoba and the ALS team in helping me
cope with the effects of this disease. It is
important that the society raises funds for
client services, especially for the Brummitt -
Feasby ALS house and also for research to
help find a cure for this disease. back to top
Helen: Neepawa
Helen was 68 years old when she was
diagnosed with ALS. Helen's main priority was
her family. She especially enjoyed the
company of her 5 grandchildren who inspired
her to keep on going.
Helen will be remembered for her kindness,
generosity and untiring devotion to those
around her. She always put the needs of
others ahead of her own. hers was truly a life
well spent that will always be an inspiration to
all that knew her.
Helen fought hard to lead as normal life as
possible despite the ravages of the disease.
She passed away peacefully in November,
1998. back to top
Myrtle: Brandon
In March 2001 at 65 years of age, Myrt was
diagnosed with ALS at The Mayo Clinic in
Rochester, Minnesota.
Myrt was always supportive of family and
friends. She put her heart and soul into her
relationships with others.
She faced this horrific disease with dignity and
courage as she faced the challenges of ALS on
a daily basis. Although the disease was a
constant struggle, she never lost her resilient
spirit.
Myrt lost her struggle with Lou Gehrig's
Disease on December 10, 2002.
She is not only remembered as a loving wife,
mother , grandmother and friend, but as a
reminder to us that life is precious and
uncertain. back to top
Robert: Winnipeg
I am currently 35 years of age. I was called to
the Bar of Manitoba in the year 2000. I
practiced law for one year prior to my
diagnosis of ALS.
I no longer enjoy the active lifestyle I once
led. In a short period of time my body has
deteriorated to the point that I now require
assistance with even the simplest of tasks.
I am grateful to my father, my mother and my
good friends, without whom I would be lost.
I remain hopeful that a cure may be found. If
not for me, for those others who may find
themselves suffering from this terrible disease. back to top