Judy Hamilton was my daytime caregiver until I entered kindergarden and went to school. I have few clear memories left of her: a smile, lunchtimes in the high-chair, sitting in the stroller walking around the neighbourhood... then pinching my fingers in that very same stroller not 2 minutes later, and her comforting hugs afterwards. Judy was a bright light of joy and kindness, and her memory lives within me still. Judy's flame was extinguished in September 2009 following her diangosis of ALS. In 2009 my understanding of ALS was limited, this was before the ice-bucket challenge, before the revival of movies and books dedicated to this cause. 

Then came nursing school, working with those approaching end of life in palliative care, and joining the team at the MND Clinic. My undertsanding of ALS has considerably improved, however the important questions: is there a cure?    how does this happen?  why do my symptoms seem so different than yours?   how long do I have left with my family and friends?  remain without answers. 

My role is to support those living with ALS, the role of the ALS Society is to support the ALS Community and support research to help find answers to the questions that remain unknown. 

June 7th join me, the MND Mayhem team, and the folks we help care for, and make science move to the speed of ALS.