Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

HELP AND HOPE

Kamloops Walk to End ALS raises more than $21,000

Jun 24, 2019 | 5:24 PM

KAMLOOPS — According to the most recent data, there are around 3,000 Canadians currently living with ALS. With a life expectancy of between two to five years after receiving their diagnosis, patients’ health can decline rapidly. The ALS Society of BC is there for patients and their families when they receive their diagnoses and helps provide essential support throughout the journey with the illness.

On Saturday, the Kamloops Walk to End ALS was held at Riverside Park. 2019 marked the 10th year of the walk, which has raised over $400,000 during that time. For the past five of those years, Pat Tomlinson has been one of the main organizers of the event. She says during that time, the relationships she’s built as part of the walk are irreplaceable.

“This feeling starts at the beginning of June of excitement, lots of emotion. There’s some sadness because we’ve met people and we’ve lost people. It’s a real gamut of emotions,” Tomlinson said. “There’s a lot of pride to bring these people together, and at the end of the day see the dollar amounts increase and know that that’s going to people living with ALS.”

This year is Tomlinson’s last as the organizer of the local walk. She’s been hired by the ALS Society of BC as the provincial coordinator of volunteers. According to Wendy Toyer, Executive Director for ALS Society of BC and the Yukon, they’re hoping someone else from Kamloops steps up to ensure this critical fundraiser is carried forward.

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“I’m hoping for someone in the community to come forward,” Toyer said. “The ALS Society provides all the training. My staff supports each and every walk by doing all the administration behind the scenes… having that [local] person to really make the walk their own is really crucial.”

Tomlinson also hopes someone is willing to step up. She says the work that the ALS Society does in the community is crucial to make sure that those living with the disease can do so with dignity, and that their families have all the support they could need.

“I’ve seen first hand the work that the ALS Society of BC does and how much money goes toward the people living with ALS and how quickly they can receive equipment,” Tomlinson said. “Being here today and at the other 14 walks across the province provide funds so that can happen, so that’s really important.”