Since receiving an ALS diagnosis in 2025, Harry Joosten has continued to serve his community and pursue endeavors rooted in passion. Despite his onset of symptoms, he supports his community through various volunteer opportunities, including being a sitting member of ALS Canada’s Board of Directors.
With a background as a financial professional, Harry can surprise you with his keen interest in haiku poems. Below is a collection of some of his writings inspired by images, moments, and his experiences.
ALS the pits
Yes true and no one needs it
But gotta face it
I get knocked down but
I get up again— nothing’s
Gonna keep me down!
We don’t control what
Happens to us BUT we do
Choose how we respond
Cornflowers bloom in June
So do Walks to hasten the
End of A L S
Chris leading the way
Rolling, rallying his team,
Let’s beat A L S
Breaking the ribbon
To Walk with Chris at the start of
Of A L S’ end
“In My Words” is an ALS Canada story series illustrating life impacted by ALS through first-person storytelling. Whether that’s through the written word, audio, art, music, etc., community members will share their experience in their own way.
