Determined to succeed in fight against disease


Terry Farrell

The fifth annual On-A-Roll for ALS began Tuesday in Campbell River as Dave Fox (left) starts his wheelchair journey to Comox by passing the 50th parallel. Tommy Hamilton rolls into Duncan on Saturday.
By Lynda Hills
News Leader Pictorial

Jul 28 2007


The long and winding Island highway is the setting for a gutsy quest this week.

Called On-A-Roll, the expedition involves four men with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, driving their power wheelchairs from Campbell River to Victoria.

The goal to raise awareness and funds for this degenerative disease.

ALS is a neuromuscular disorder that results in weakness and wasting in the body and can affect anyone at anytime.

There is no known cause or cure, is fatal and the mind and senses are rarely ever affected.

More than 300 people in B.C. live with ALS.

With the theme Determined to Succeed, the fifth annual event includes multiple rollers for the first time.

Following a lead truck and with a car behind, Tommy Hamilton pulls into Duncan Sunday at Country Grocer and carries on to Cobble Hill.

Overall, Hamilton has undertaken four legs of the journey, starting up-island in Bowser.

“Tommy’s taken on a big one and it’s going to be quite fun to watch him,” said volunteer coordinator, Karen Brar.

Brar notes the immense courage and dedication of patients with ALS.

Family members are also deeply impacted by the disease; coping not only with the emotional impact of loved ones dying, but also a financial drain.

Special medical and assistive equipment is needed for patients as well as nursing care.

That’s why sponsorships and fund raising for these services is so important.

Brar estimates patients need upwards of $100,000 worth of equipment.

On-A-Roll started five years ago when ALS patient Mike Pellatt was frustrated about the lack of government support and awareness for ALS.

“He had an urge to be heard,” Brar said.

Hamilton will be at Country Grocer between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., where a barbecue is planned.

Every one is welcome to come down, meet Hamilton, and hopefully make a donation.

Brar said if people are unable to assist financially there are other ways to contribute through volunteering year round or at special events.

“It’s a disease that takes over a life, but doesn’t crush the spirit,” she said.

For more information visit: alsbc.ca

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