On May 17, 2025 I gave birth to my second daughter at 44 years old. Four weeks later I completed a Bachelor of Arts in honors with a double major in Labour Studies and Sociology from Brock University. It was after my graduation. I noticed my right leg was dragging. Unknowingly, this was my first symptom. I excused it as ‘healing from baby’. Other symptoms slowly began to appear. I was losing strength in my hands, unable to take the lid off the baby bottle, doing the buttons up on babies onesies, and even dressing baby became more and more difficult.

Between the months of June 2025 and March 2026, I had gone from being able to do anything to feeling exhausted after doing household chores, and walking with a noticeable limp. I had lost the ability to run, hit the button on the key fob to unlock the car doors, and picking up my own child. As well, my muscles twitched, I had pain in my joints, and I was beginning to lose weight. I was going to see a sports massage therapist who believed I had tennis elbow. He also referred me to a naturopath after I spoke of taking some supplements.

It was in March that I had an ultrasound which confirmed a hernia in my abdomen. On April 1st, I had surgery to repair the four hernias around my belly button at Schouldice hospital. I spent five days in the hospital and was so happy to come home after.

On April 22, 2026 my partner was laid off with no cause as a Vineyard manager in the Ontario Niagara region. We decided at this time moving back to Nova Scotia would be the ideal measure. Most of our family was there and my partner had a business he was hoping to expand.

On April 27, I had an appointment with my neurologist concerning reoccurring migraines. It was at this appointment. I asked him about issues with mobility and strength. He did a reflex test and became very concerned. Handing me a letter, he told me to go immediately to Hamilton General Hospital, and give them this letter. I remained calm. It was at this point I knew something serious was happening with my body. I went home to my partner, ate lunch while he packed me a snack and a bag, not knowing how long I would be gone for. I say goodbye to our 11 month old and drove to the hospital.

I spent the next five days having reflex tests, meeting with a resident neurologist, an MRI on my back, an MRI on my head, and an EMG test. This confirmed my diagnosis of ALS. I was quickly discharged and drove home immediately. I greeted my four-year-old at the door when she came home from daycare. All I could do was hold her and cry. My partner was holding our 11 month old when I told him it was ALS.

Unemployed, recovering from surgery, in the process of packing and selling our possessions, we received the devastating news.

ALS has no cure. It destroys the motor nerves and deteriorates your muscles. Over 50% of cases die within the first three years of symptoms onset.

I am seeking donations to help with our move, possible treatment abroad, care, and future of our family. Your donation gives my family a chance to be together. Thank you so much.