Ex-Alouette Proudfoot makes most of every day
Living on borrowed time, radio analyst refuses to let ALS rob him of his pride or joie de vivre
HERB ZURKOWSKY, The Gazette
Published: 3 hours ago

Tony Proudfoot claims he always ate junk food. Funny, we never saw evidence of such in the last decade. But now, it's not unusual to see him at an Alouettes practice wolfing down a submarine sandwich or hot dogs. Even, heaven forbid, greasy french fries. He has even enjoyed the odd drink after refraining from alcohol consumption once his 12-year Canadian Football League career ended.

Proudfoot, 58, has been given a death sentence, so figures he has nothing to lose. Diagnosed on May 1 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease - news he announced to an Olympic Stadium gathering in late June - Proudfoot knows he's on borrowed time. He's suffering from a disease of the motor nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that causes the progressive loss of control over movement. Death often occurs within three to five years of the initial diagnosis. It's a horrible way to die.

"Nobody ever improves," Proudfoot said this week. "Once you realize that, the way you approach life has to be different. Nothing is finite, but there are diminished returns. The glass can be half-empty or full. It sounds corny, but I'm trying to be optimistic."


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Tony Proudfoot has retired from teaching at Dawson College, where he was one of the first to tend to wounded after Sept. 13, 2006, shootings.
JOHN MAHONEY, GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
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Rather than agonize over the hand he has been dealt, Proudfoot has chosen to flourish, celebrating the rich and prosperous life he has enjoyed. And, realizing his time's dwindling and understanding the situation could be drastically different months from now, Proudfoot is making the most of every day.

He spent a week's vacation in Arizona with his family. He went on a canoe excursion in northern Maine. There are upcoming trips to Halifax and Cape Breton, along with a three-week family sojourn in Barbados. There have been numerous rounds of golf. Most weekends are spent with his wife and three grown children, two of whom work outside Montreal.

Having retired from Dawson College and Concordia University, where he taught physical education, has provided him with plenty of free time, although Proudfoot continues working as a radio analyst on Als' broadcasts.

"I really have enjoyed life," he said. "I'm healthy, not sick - the same as I was. I'm trying to block out the future. You can't, but I don't dwell on it."

If he was unaware before, Proudfoot realizes how much he means to people. As he follows the Als on the road, going from city to city, he's approached by both media and fans. He receives scores of emails daily, wishing him well and urging him to continue the fight, and has been contacted by close to 150

former students, some of whom studied under him as long as 15 years ago.

"People realize how devastating the disease is, so it's hard for them to bring it up," Proudfoot said.

"It has forced me to approach them. I'm fine with it ... okay. It breaks the ice."

There was a retirement party for Proudfoot at Dawson this week, while last night, at Molson Brewery, a sold-out dinner was held in Proudfoot's honour. Approximately 150 people attended, including at least 50 former players. Former teammates Wayne Conrad and Gabriel Grégoire spoke glowingly about Proudfoot. Former Als head coach Marv Levy and Wally Buono, who played linebacker for Montreal but now coaches and manages the B.C. Lions, sent taped messages on video. There was a

Living on borrowed time, radio analyst refuses to let ALS rob him of his pride or joie de vivre
HERB ZURKOWSKY, The Gazette
Published: 3 hours ago

25-minute highlight video of Proudfoot's career as a defensive back, the first nine seasons spent in Montreal. And he was given a trip to Hawaii by the Als' alumni.

"When we heard of Tony's illness, we wanted to do something," new alumni president and recently retired running-back éric Lapointe said. "He has done a lot over the years for the team. He's what the Als are all about ... and we need to honour the man while he's still with us."

Proudfoot continues battling ALS without medication, although he takes a Creatine supplement along with vitamin E. He visits his doctor at the Montreal Neurological Institute on a monthly basis. For the longest time this season, Proudfoot proudly boasted to friends and colleagues the disease wasn't progressing, but that's no longer the case. His forced lung volume, measured to indicate the amount of muscle power in the diaphragm, has started to decrease significantly, meaning there's less capacity in his lungs - a change, Proudfoot admits, that can't be ignored. He could have a year, maybe two if he's lucky, of breathing on his own.




He's beginning to have problems swallowing, has experienced cramping and is awakening more during the night. Proudfoot also has noticed subtle changes in his voice, but has surprised himself with his resiliency. He thought he might have to give up broadcasting by September, but is virtually certain of completing the season and hasn't ruled out returning in 2008.

The author of one football book already, Proudfoot is considering writing another, dealing with the historical and strategic role of CFL coaches. He also has become an advocate for ALS. A walk last month raised $60,000 - $28,000 directly by the Tony Proudfoot Fund - which will be used for research.

"Between the football, broadcasting and the travel, it has allowed me to stay connected to something," he said. "It's a good thing to do, rather than hide out and pretend."



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