A couple of years ago the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge became an internet sensation. I didn’t know much about the disease before this hit the internet like wild fire. Then I got educated, but nobody I knew had been affected by it.
Today was the annual Walk For ALS, and Prince George is one of the first cities to participate in this event. This event is so special that the BC and Yukon territory Executive Director, Wendy Toyer, comes to the Prince George events each year!
This year meant a little more to me. No, it wasn’t a super close friend, no it wasn’t a family member, it was an acquaintance from school who was affected. His older brother, his best friend in the world, was attacked by the deadly disease.
My friend was ALWAYS such a happy person, and even through his brother’s struggles he stayed positive. He decided he would get an audio wave tattooed on his arm. Specifically a clip of his brother saying “I love you”. Sounds pretty simple right? Not exactly. When ALS takes over over, you not only lose control of your muscles, but you lose the ability to speak normally. So what seemed like an easily obtainable idea, wasn’t so easy. Persevering through the difficult situation, he was able to get the tattoo forever engraved in his skin, and that is a constant reminder that his brother is there with him. Unfortunately his brother is no longer with us no thanks to the terrible disease.
It is charitable efforts like the Walk For ALS that gives hope that there will be a cure and that there is efforts being put forth to prevent anything in the future. The Prince George Walk for ALS had 150 walkers register this year. There were also silent auction items to help raise funds thanks to charitable donations from local businesses!
As to where the funds raised today are headed- 40 per cent of the money will go towards ALS research, while the rest will support patients and family services in Prince George.