“Lisa was the backbone. She was a great mom and really involved – full of energy and life.” Monica Bertolo’s sister, Lisa, was diagnosed with ALS in 2018. For the following 18 months, Lisa – a regular powerhouse and go-getter – took on the disease and fought until the end for her mobility and dignity. Rallying behind Lisa, Monica and her son, Hayden decided to run a 10k race to raise funds for ALS – kicking off the beginning of their community fundraising journey. Since 2019, the Bertolo/Sallows family has taken on intense physical challenges – from 10km runs to Spartan races – to raise funds and awareness in honour of Lisa’s journey with ALS, knowing that the way they’ve challenged their mind and bodies isn’t even close to as challenging as what Lisa navigated living with ALS.
After COVID-19, when in-person races were no longer an option, the family pivoted their fundraising efforts. Spearheaded by the kids in the family – Hayden, Cooper, and Camille – came the idea of repurposing skis and snowboards to build Muskoka chairs, marketing them locally to family and friends and donating all proceeds to ALS Canada. Though assumingly two very different ways to give back, both Run for Lisa and Chairs for ALS illustrate the undeniable ability community fundraisers have to make an impact, unite the community, and spread awareness of the disease. 
“When people hear about the fundraiser, it gives them the chance to ask questions about ALS and talk about their own experience,” says Monica. “I think it’s important for people in the ALS community to know there are resources. It can be a costly disease, and it’s important to know there is support – even the emotional support of being able to talk to people about it.”
Now, in 2025, the family is proud to take on a Spartan Race to fundraise and raise awareness for ALS once again. “It’s a bittersweet feeling when we complete the course, but it’s how we’re paying homage to Lisa’s journey.” Over the course of their fundraising journey, they have raised more than $23,000 and aim to hit their $10,000 goal this year to continue their support of vital ALS research and support services. “When Lisa got sick, ALS Canada helped us immensely through support services and equipment. She had to use a computer to speak, she couldn’t communicate – and all of the gear we got – we couldn’t have done it without ALS Canada, so we wanted to give back.”
“There’s no right or wrong way to do it – it doesn’t matter how much money you raise, what’s important is that you’re doing what you can. At the very least, we’re spreading education and awareness.” From tackling obstacle races to building chairs, the Bertolo/Sallows’ have put their big ideas into action to honour Lisa and change the future of ALS – and they believe you can as well. “It doesn’t matter how old you are or what the idea is, just do it. Start small – it doesn’t have to be this big plan,” says Monica – reminiscent of their initial start of Run for Lisa, from a mother and son duo to a large family and friend affair. “You do what you can – if you feel passionate about it, do it.”
“We are so fortunate to even do this. We are thankful every day that we can do things Lisa couldn’t. That’s what keeps us going – we are thankful.” If you are interested in starting a fundraiser, check out our ALS Canada Community Fundraising Events page and explore your options.