Support Kelvin Solie in His Fight Against ALS

We have started this fundraiser for our dear friend, family member, and community member, Kelvin Solie. Ask around though, and he’s most likely known by teammates, friends, and family as “Sucky”. An avid hunter, fisherman and lover of the great outdoors, he loves playing sports and as so many know has dedicated countless nights and weekends coaching and volunteering his time to so many great causes. Whether it being broomball, baseball, hockey or something else, he has always been a mentor and leader in anything he set out to do. He’s always loved to volunteer his time for any cause and after retirement continues to serve his beloved community and neighbours by dedicating himself as a councillor for the town of Balgonie. But what Kelvin has always been known for is his unwavering commitment and dedication to his family, friends and neighbours. Always there with a helping hand or an ear to listen.

Kelvin has recently been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS. ALS is a neurogenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. He went in for a routine day surgery and had complications arise shortly thereafter. After undergoing numerous imaging and blood tests, his diagnosis has been confirmed, as ALS. There is no known cure for this fatal disease, which begins with muscle weakness, and worsens until it eventually affects chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing. We are extremely heartbroken to hear this news, and know that the many people Kelvin has connections with will want to help him in his time of need. Kelvin’s loving wife Pat, will be by his side caring for him, as well as his family.

Kelvin and his family have a difficult road ahead that will present many challenges. As they take on the unique and challenging disease, Kelvin will require a number of specialized pieces of equipment to continue moving and living as high of quality of life as he can. Expenses that Kelvin will potentially need are a wheelchair, electric scooter, medical bed, breathing apparatus, home care, a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, and communication aids. There will also be numerous out of town trips, as well as specialized care and modifications done at his home to support and assist with the mobility challenges he will encounter as he progresses through the various stages of motor neuron disease.

Despite this devastating news, Kelvin remains positive and looks forward to creating many more amazing memories and supporting his family and community as he navigates the challenges this disease will present. However, asking for help is very hard for Kelvin and Pat. We certainly don’t want to see them go into debt because of something they had no control over. We know that many community members and friends will feel the same, and so we knew a fundraiser was the right thing to do. Please help us support Kelvin in his fight, and give him and his family all of your positive thoughts and prayers.

If any of the funds raised are not used by Kelvin, he would like them donated to other families fighting ALS, and also for ALS research.

Signed, Kelvin's family and friends.