Our Stories

ALS is a physically, emotionally, and financially devastating disease that robs a person of their life, one muscle group after another.

Never one for sitting still, Alison loved running, laughing, hosting parties and drinking good wine. This accomplished pianist, elite athlete, respected teacher, choir leader, musical director and mother of two beautiful boys began feeling twitches in her arms in the summer of 2008. By late fall her right finger was stiff and her hands had become weak.
Originally chalked up to carpal tunnel syndrome, Alison was devastated to find herself diagnosed with ALS three days before Christmas of that year.
“Just when you least expect it, when everything is going really, really well, life throws you a curve ball that alters the course of your existence. My life has essentially been perfect up to now,” said Alison.

Filled with fear, grief and disbelief Alison took countless pictures throughout Christmas, fearing it could be her last. The following months at school were comprised of tirelessly producing what would be her last musical and providing a wonderful year for her youngest son, who still attended the school.

By November 2009 the disease progressed to the point where she could no longer work at the school. Her community, now realising the terrible news, rallied around her offering their support and hosting many benefits and fundraising events.

Now three years into living with such a horrific disease, Alison has found that relationships with others have changed; some broken while others strengthened. With a definite strength of character, Alison wakes up and lives every day, hoping that others will not lose sense of who she truly is.

ALS Canada funds breakthrough research toward treatments and ultimately a cure for ALS, and supports provincial partners in the provision of care for Alison and other Canadians living with ALS.

Please feel free to contact us at: http://www.als.ca

ALS Society of Canada