In Loving Memory
Penticton, British Columbia
You are not ALS, you are still YOU.
When Elvis George was diagnosed with ALS in June 2025, his family had never even heard of the disease. His eldest daughter, Carlene George, remembers the shock clearly.“We would have never in a million years thought this was going to be Dad's end-of-life journey," she recalls.Elvis had always been active—hiking, walking, and caring for his grandchildren after school. He was a gifted artist and a skilled construction worker who took pride in creating things with his hands. Following his diagnosis, his health declined quickly. Losing the ability to walk, talk, and eat (he had to get a feeding tube for “liquid boosts") within months was devastating for him and for those who loved him.“Our Dad was the Superhero Grandpa for his three grandsons," said Carlene. “He loved taking them on cruises in his truck and going for drives with our Mom. To see him suddenly not be able to do any of the things he always did was devastating for us all."During this period of rapid change, an ALS care team, the Penticton Indian Band Health Department, and the ALS Society helped surround Elvis with support—home visits, equipment, and tools to bring him comfort. Carlene recalls that a scooter provided by the ALS Society made him smile because “he felt like he could drive again, at least outside in his yard."His family also worked to remind him that he was not ALS, he was still Elvis George: a strong, proud Syilx man. And they hope others living with ALS hear that message too.“I want every person with ALS to know that they are not the disease – they are still them, they are warriors strong enough to battle this disease," Carlene says. “I also want them to be able to receive the best care and the best medication available."
Carlene George
