My auntie was one of the most selfless, strong, and stubborn people I’ve ever known. She was the type of person who would pick people up to vote and drive them home, always putting others first. Even after her children were grown, she worked in the school lunch program, supporting students for years—only stopping when she began to lose feeling in her legs.

When she was diagnosed with ALS, everything changed. She went from seeing her grandchildren almost every day and attending our big family gatherings every weekend to being confined to her home for months, leaving only for doctors’ appointments. The fearless woman I knew became vulnerable, facing a disease that took away her mobility and independence.

She took a chance and came to Canada on her own. Through her determination and sacrifice, she sponsored members of our family. The life we have here today is because of the foundation she built for all of us. Her selflessness and courage inspired us all.

In 2006, after my cousin (her son) passed away at just 21 years old, my auntie began visiting him at the cemetery every Sunday. Not long after, I started joining her, and it became our tradition. We spent that time together talking about life and bonding.

After my auntie passed away, I continued the tradition. Every week, I visit them both. It's my way of staying connected to her and carrying forward a tradition that means so much to me. 

These walks keep her memory alive and remind me why I walk today—not just in her honor, but for everyone affected by ALS.
Every step I take is for her, and your support will help bring us closer to a world without ALS.

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This summer I will be participating in the Walk to End ALS. Now more than ever, the ALS community needs our support to provide hope and help to families affected by ALS/MND. That’s why I’m joining thousands of others, a part of a passionate and motivated community to “walk” in celebration of hope and a world free of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Please consider supporting me and donating towards this important cause.

Your support will help to:

• create a better day-to-day reality for people and families living with ALS by providing community-based support throughout Manitoba as well as necessary medical equipment like wheelchairs, liftchairs, mobility aids and other items that increase safety in the home, at no cost to those who need them.
• further scientific progress by investing in the ALS Canada Research Program, which funds promising ALS research. This program provides peer-reviewed grants to researchers whose work has the greatest potential to advance the field of ALS. There’s been more progress made in ALS research in the last five years than over the last century – we need to keep building on this momentum.

Join me in making a difference. Please consider donating to my fundraising page as we work towards a world free of ALS/MND.

Your support is needed now more than ever - we are stronger together!

Much love,
Cass