ALS patient highlights need for annual fundraiser

Every word is an effort for Garret Walsh.

His amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has slurred his speech to the point that he's usually difficult to understand. But he battles through anyway, patiently speaking his mind, while his wife, Mary-Anne, translates.

“Every second already is a gift from God,” said 44-year-old Garret. “Every day I'm happy. I know God will take care of me, and I know God will take care of my family. Every day extra that I get with my family is a blessing and a miracle.”

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a devastating neuromuscular condition which causes the progressive degeneration and eventual death of the nerve cells that control movement.

Eventually, many people with the condition are completely paralyzed, unable to speak, swallow and ultimately breathe. There's currently no known cause, treatment or cure for ALS.

When Walsh was diagnosed with ALS 10 years ago, they gave him two to five years to live, as that's how long 80 per cent of those with the condition last.

While he admits his illness has been devastating, he said he's grateful to have been able to see his three children — Keatha, 21, Joey, 20, and Cory, 16 — grow up. Garret recently attended Keatha's Laurentian University graduation.

In fact, because he was forced to quit his job at Palladino Honda several years ago, he's been able to spend more time with his children than most dads.

“It's been a blessing in some ways,” he said.

Garret can often be seen at his sons' football or hockey games.

“Cory's in hockey,” Mary-Anne said. “Joey's a big strapping boy. He picks his father up, carries him out the door, puts him in the car, and carries him back in after the hockey game. Have big strong son, will travel.”

Before Garret was diagnosed 10 years ago, he noticed a weakness in his right hand and forearm, making it difficult to complete tasks such as opening a water bottle.

He also started having a hard time swallowing.

His condition has progressed to the point where his speech is slurred, and his arms are very weak, although he can still lift things if they aren't too heavy.

He can also still walk to some extent, although he shuffles his feet. Although his swallowing is affected, he can still eat most things.

Garret is living in his own home with the help of home care services, who come in several times a day.

Still, it's a big contrast from his earlier life, when Garret was a champion body builder who weighed 240 pounds and could bench press 400 pounds.

“Now I find it is a workout just to lift a cup to my mouth,” he said.

When asked what the future holds for her husband, Mary-Anne said “nobody ever knows. We take one day at a time. Right now Garret seems to be at a plateau again. Nothing seems to have gotten any worse at this point anyway.”

Every year since Garret's diagnosis, the Walsh family has been involved in the Sudbury Walk for ALS.

This year's event takes place at Delki Dozzi Memorial Park starting at 9 a.m. on June 22. Those who raise at least $100 receive prizes.

In 2012, the walk raised close to $40,000. Sixty per cent of the funds raised stay in Sudbury to purchase assisitive devices for those with ALS, and the other 40 per cent goes towards research funded by ALS Canada.

Mary-Anne said her family has appreciated the help in purchasing assistive devices such as lift chairs because those items can be expensive. She also likes the fact that the walk raises awareness about ALS.

And then there's always the hope that researchers will discover a cure for the condition which is slowly robbing Garret of his independence.

“I was at a conference, and it really is looking very promising, is what I can say,” Mary-Anne said. “Whether it helps Garret out, or future people that have ALS, a cure will be found. It's just a matter of time.”

For more information about the Sudbury Walk for ALS, phone Mary-Anne at 705-521-2283 or email [email protected].