“ALS is a relentlessly progressive, fatal motor neuron disease that eventually leads to the loss of the ability to move, speak, and breathe. The disease can progress swiftly with four out of five people dying within two to five years of their diagnosis. On top of the mental and physical distress of this disease, it also has a tremendous emotional and financial impact on families and loved ones. Life with ALS presents many challenges for those living with the disease and their caregivers, as well as family and friends. In addition to needing physical support, people living with ALS may find it difficult to cope with the associated emotional and lifestyle changes.”

June is ALS awareness month. This is very near and dear to my heart. Most people don’t know what ALS is until they, or someone they know unfortunately gets the diagnosis. As hard as it was on me, and my step dad who took care of her, it was much harder on my mom, who had to learn how to live with this diagnosis. I will never forget getting that text after her appointment. I asked her how it went. All I got back was “can you come over later” and I knew. As soon as I was done work I rushed there and walked in to find my mom and step dad crying together on the floor. My heart immediately sunk. Watching my strong, full of pride, beautiful mom decline so rapidly every day.. is one of the hardest things I’ll never forget. Watching her try to keep doing things on her own because she was so stubborn.. then seeing it in her face when she realized she couldn’t anymore and had to ask for help.. I’ll never forget. 
I will NEVER regret being there with her every day. Taking care of her.. feeding her, brushing her teeth, bathing her, doing her hair, bringing her to the toilet, even picking her nose lol. I carry a lot of pain and trauma with me from that experience.. but I will never regret it. 

ALS Canada was a huge help during this time. They set her up with a hospital bed, they provided any accessible items we needed to help her, they were there to support not only her, but us as well. 
That being said, they wouldn’t be able to do all of this without donations. This month I am asking all of my friends and family, if you have an extra little bit consider donating to ALS Canada. I know things are tight right now, so even if you can’t donate, please share this link to your friends and family. 

https://als.ca

I love you and miss you mom ❤️