A Personal Story From Our Board Director, Cathy Martin
I can't believe that 20 years have passed since our mom, Alice Martin died from ALS. That time remains as an indelible memory in my mind, and as perpetual feelings of both grief and gratitude in my heart.
After Mom's death I really didn't think much about the ALS Society, until a couple of years later when a friend of mine invited me to attend a concert that was raising funds for the Society. I felt that after two years, I was ready to attend such an event, so I said YES. It was at that concert that I reconnected with the people who supported my mom and our family during those devastating wilderness days - and although I didn't realize it at the time - it was a pivotal event in my life.
After that concert, I was invited to volunteer for a couple of events, and again, I said YES. Soon, I was involved in planning a memorial service, joining the Walk for ALS Committee, and planning an advocacy event at the Legislature. Not long after that, I joined the board of ALS Alberta. The experiences I have had while being on the Board of ALS Alberta have been life enriching - 100 percent because of the people whom I have had the privilege to meet through the many volunteer activities.
Although activities of chairing the Board, speaking at the walks, talking with researchers, meeting three Lieutenant Governors, and speaking on stage at the Jack Singer Concert Hall have all been "pinch me" kind of moments, my most rewarding experiences have been the conversations with people throughout the province, and across the country who have been impacted by the devastating disease of ALS, The people who have been diagnosed with ALS, who so generously share their wisdom, determination, and humour - all while living with a devastating, fatal disease - have enriched my life by proving that the human spirit has an unlimited capacity for strength, courage, generousity and kindness.
These experiences, relationships and emotions have kept me connected to the ALS Society of Alberta for over 18 years. I am proud to contribute my time and money to an organization that focuses on
listening, learning, innovating, connecting people and idea, seeking out and overcoming challenges, being accountable and grateful, creating an environment that makes every day the best possible day for people living with and affected by ALS and demonstrating that HOPE is a verb.
I HOPE that you are finding ways to stay safe, well and connected amid all the challenges that these current times bring. We have just gone through another pandemic holiday season, and I must say that at times, I find myself languishing because I can't predict when the impacts of this virus will end. And then, I remember that I am part of this amazing community, and I find HOPE in the opportunities to make a positive difference. I HOPE that you are rejuvenated by saying YES to opportunities to engage in acts of kindness, confidence, humility and generosity. That's what the ALS Society of Alberta is all about - creating HOPE by providing the space to say YES.
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