ALS rolls with hope


Dunc Malcolm/News staff

Ernie Wiens was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) about six years ago. That hasn’t stopped him from pursuing a passion for woodwork.
By Kelly Howard
News staff

Jul 27 2007


Victoria man offers insights into fatal illness

As Victoria resident Ernie Wiens prepares to ride in the fifth annual On a Roll for ALS, he said the trip will definitely be an emotional one.

Started July 24 in Campbell River several “rollers” participate in different portions of the trip down to Victoria. The “rollers” are all people living with ALS, only a handful of the 300 people in B.C. Closing out the nine day fundraiser, Wiens will ride his wheelchair from Sidney to Royal Oak on July 31.

Diagnosed with ALS 10 years ago, Wiens first noticed something was wrong when a slight dragging of his left leg worsened while vacationing in Europe.

Today, the retired father of three has difficulty speaking and is bound to a wheelchair, but said it hasn’t taken his positive spirit.

“People with ALS must not give up and you must have hope.”

As research teams across Canada search for a cure, Wiens said it is a hard disease to figure out because it hits differently in each individual. He has taken experimental medication for nine years, but it is unsure what type of affect the therapy is having, if any.

But his disability hasn’t stopped him from doing the things he loves. Working with wood continues to be his passion. As his hands still remain strong he spends much of his time making elaborate wooden wall art called incartia.

Alice Wiens said the condition that afflicts her husband of 48 years takes a large toll on the family. She praises all of the people who have shown kindness and support to their family and said she wishes anyone dealling with ALS the same.

“We have a group of close friends, our church and strong ALS group that support us. These groups are so important.”

The average life span is three to five years after initial diagnosis with ALS. Fully aware of his fate, Ernie said it is easy for some people with ALS to hide at home. Instead he asserted that lives will change by getting out and talking to people about ALS.

Alice said that people talking to each other about ALS makes a difference.

“Years ago not much was known about ALS as they do now. The awareness is getting out there.”

At the Royal Oak Country Grocers, Ernie along with other participants will be welcomed with a barbecue and fundraising event at 12:30 p.m. July 31, open to the public.

Amyotrohic Lateral Sclerosis is a neuromuscular degenerative disorder that affects a person’s muscles resulting in immobilization and inevitably death.

For more information on ALS or to make a donation visit www.als.ca. Donations can also be made through any Country Grocer stores or People’s Drug Mart.
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