Category: End of Year Giving

While it is a special time for many, the holiday season can also be especially difficult for people grieving the loss of someone close to them. We know this to be true in the ALS community because so many of us have felt it ourselves.

The truth is that nobody truly chooses to be part of the ALS community. That is chosen for us.

ALS can affect anybody, so our community is very diverse. The one thing we all have in common is the one thing we wish we did not: we know ALS. And to know ALS is to know heartbreak.

Right now, there are many people across Canada experiencing the holiday season for the first time since they lost someone close to them. If you are one of these people, we want to remind you that you are not alone. There is an entire community here who cares about you, and last month, we emailed them with a single question:

Will you help share a heartwarming message with families in the ALS community who may be having a tough holiday season?

Want to hear something incredible? We received HUNDREDS of responses. We have shared a small sampling of them below, but the message in each of the 100+ responses was clear: we are here for you, and you are not alone.

“My message to families in the ALS community this holiday season is to enjoy your moments and memories, celebrate with compassion and care, be mindful and caring of others and hold on to the love you share, it has truly been our strength throughout the illness of ALS and beyond. The holiday season will be hard for us this year, but we will find ways to honour our amazingly strong and courageous husband and dad.”

– Michele, Tristan (24), Leila (18) and Iris (15)

“You are not alone. You are seen and you are loved.”

– Mark R.

“My message to families in the ALS community this holiday season is to not give up hope. My grandmother lost her battle with ALS in 2011 and that has not stopped me from continuing to believe that we will one day live in a world where we can beat this disease.”

– Grace A.

“Grief can feel heavy and dark. Let some light in and allow yourself to feel happiness and joy. Smiling and laughing doesn’t mean you don’t care or don’t miss your loved one. They would want you to be happy.”

– Jennifer A.

“I get it. Over the last few years your traditions may have been thrown out the window. It probably seemed like everyone else was going on with their holiday plans, maybe not even realizing how much yours had changed. You may have spent it visiting the hospital or LTC. You may have felt angry or sad. This year is different, but as you got through the past you have been through the hardest holidays already. I promise! Take it slow, alter your traditions and find small ways to continue. Have the happiest holiday possible and know that you are not alone.”

– Stephanie P.

“…Our loved ones live on in our memory, the purpose of our day-to-day lives and our kindness to others. May you be gentle with yourself and find some peace.”

– Colleen C.

“We love you and are behind you every step of the way. May this holiday season bring some sort of comfort. Let’s have a future without ALS!”

– Meli C.

“You are not alone. Even if it feels that way, remember that there’s an entire community of people across the country who care about you. Be patient with yourself and remember that every one of your feelings are valid.”

– Ralph Z.

“As a person living with ALS, my message to families in the ALS community this holiday season is this: if you have lost a loved one to this disease, I’m convinced that your dearly departed wants you to be happy and spread love to all your family and friends. Cry (yes, it’s good to cry), laugh, sing, eat, drink, and enjoy the holidays!”

– Norman M.

“I can’t say that I know what you are going through everyday but I can promise I will always continue my monthly sponsorship to support you and your families. I pray everyday that you find the strength to keep up the good fight and that a cure will one day be found. Your strength never ceases to amaze me. I hope you try to have a peaceful Christmas and know that there are many of us who share your grief and hope for better days ahead. Bless you all.”

– Shelley P.

“My message to families in the ALS community this holiday season is that although we share our grief, we also cherish memories and keep alive our hope for a cure.”

– Ann M.

On behalf of the entire team here at ALS Canada, thank you for reading these messages. We will continue to share more on social media throughout the next year. Our team wishes you strength and solidarity this holiday season. We are here for you.

My name is Mehboob, and I’d like to share my story with you. And I want to say thank you.

In late 2020, life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with ALS. Once the provider of medical care as a family physician in the community of Stoney Creek, Ontario, I found myself in need of care and support.

ALS, as many of you might know, is a relentless adversary. The speed with which it operates can be overwhelming. But the journey I embarked on has become one not of despair but of hope and inspiration.

I have learned to accept this journey that I am on. This disease is a rare one, and while I still can, I will do everything in my power to raise awareness about what it is like for families like mine and what we are going through. Like the needs we have. The costly aspects of this disease – so much care and equipment are required, which is not cheap. The emotional toll it takes on our partners – like my incredible wife Sophie, who I love with all my heart.

Some of you may remember the ALS Canada Walk to End ALS event earlier this year. I had the honour of leading our team, “Marching for Hope.” Together, we raised close to $15,000 for ALS research, and I pledged to match a part of those funds personally. But the Walk was not just about funds; it was a statement – a statement that despite the odds, we would stay strong, we would press forward, and most importantly, we would hope.

Today, nearly six months later, I reflect upon our journey together. Despite the hurdles – the wheelchair, the physical setbacks, the emotional challenges – there’s been an incredible force of good around Sophie and me. And this force is a daily reminder that there is so much we can still do. Your support, your words of encouragement, and your unwavering belief have been the wind beneath our wings. Thank you for supporting ALS Canada. Thank you for supporting me.

I’ve always believed in the power of community. In my years as a physician, and now, more than ever, as a part of the ALS community, I’ve witnessed what collective compassion and commitment can achieve. Every day, my heart is warmed to know I am not alone – you and the rest of the community are right here with me. Thank you.

It’s not just about fundraising but about creating awareness, providing support, and, most importantly, showing that we’re in this together. Every message, every phone call, every tiny gesture has had a profound impact on me. And it’s these collective efforts that hold the promise of a brighter future for everyone affected by ALS.

So, as we journey forward, remember this: your involvement, commitment, and heart have made a difference. You’ve given me, and countless others, strength and hope.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Warmly,

Mehboob

Diagnosed with ALS in 2020

P.S. Our mission is an ongoing one. While we’ve achieved much, there’s still a road ahead. If my journey resonates with you, and you feel the urge to support further, please consider donating here. Your contribution, no matter how small, changes our world.