THANKS

Thanks to our deluxe health care system and the ALS Society that combined to make living with this disease as comfortable as possible for Joyce and I. I bristle when people make disparaging comments about health care because my experiences have been positive with health care professionals doing their best to support us. The only good thing about our journey is meeting heroic ALS patients, their families and the caring compassionate individuals who bring their A game to provide the best possible care. I apologize because I'm going to miss some individuals who I've forgotten; please keep doing the great job of caring for your patients.  

PLC Emergency Wow! After not even thinking about my health for 50 years I've been here more than I could ever have imagined. From my first 02 deprived crisis where Emerg Dr. wouldn't consider release until a cause was determined, which led to the ALS diagnosis, to a couple of collapsed lung incidents I've received nothing but the best of care. Kudos to everyone. Hopefully a solution can be found for the courageous health care professionals doing their utmost to help others while dealing with abusive and violent patients.  

Unit 39 What a team! From docs with only our best interests at heart to one that expertly inserted a chest tube adding a couple of years to my life. Rock star nurses (Michelle, Mike, Neo, my nickname for Juryone, Marissa, Avi) keep up your exemplary work. Cheerful Ritchie and Tam who always put a smile on my face. I missed Mary who would sweep into the room with cheery banter and lift my spirits.  

R T Another team of professionals making a big impact on my life. Marie and Paula with tons of experience and a positive bedside manner. Sarah with the patience to build a bridge to off load mask pressure on my bruised, broken down nose. I'm not sure I can find words to credit Ray's contribution. An individual that consistently puts patient care first. An individual unafraid to make waves in an organization unable to recognize his passion for helping others. A great RT but an even better person!  

Dr. Rimmer A special individual devoted to helping patients and their families. A Dr. that has put her stamp of professionalism on the PLC, benefiting all southern Albertans. I trust that when the time comes she is able to pull away from a heavy work load and find a long, healthy and happy retirement she so richly deserves.  

ALS SOCIETY If one is afflicted with this disease Calgary is the place! A testament to what one heroic Canadian has accomplished to help others. There's Jane! and then there's the rest of us mere mortals. A seemingly tireless advocate for both patients and their families. The poster child for paying it forward. I hope she can find a switch to disengage, relax and enjoy retirement. Great job Megan, Jeremy, Rob and Karen of providing advice, support and equipment to help both of us.  

ALS Clinic a brilliant idea and a wonderful team. If the Flames would bring this commitment of excellence, drive, teamwork, dedication and Alberta get-er-done attitude they'd be league leaders. Coach Sue, a personable blend of professionalism, organization and wry sense of humor. I looked forward to seeing her every visit. Dr's Korngut and White who took time out of their busy schedules and research to review our individual cases and recommend treatment. Jeff who encouraged, coaxed and cheered me on to squeeze the last bit of air from my lungs during tests. A huge shout out to the entire multi-disciplinary team. These caring, compassionate professionals are difference makers.  

AHS Home Care thanks Wendy, Menaz and the entire multi-disciplinary team for making us comfortable along the journey. From there we met two remarkable care givers that seamlessly meshed into my routine to provide Joyce some time for herself. Anna, a truly caring person, that had a gift for making me comfortable and Leslie who went above and beyond to make good coffee, trim my hair and develop a relationship with Morgan. We appreciate Leslie reworking her schedule so I could spend Christmas at home before moving to hospice.  

AHS Palliative Care thanks Robin, Ellen and the entire team. Robin, a perfect blend of professionalism, understanding and communication skills to guide us through some challenging times. We met Blanca as a care giver with limited experience but she quickly became a valued member of the team. She's a people person who's infectious smile made me smile when she arrived. Thanks to all the care givers for helping with our rambunctious puppy.  

ÀHS and the ACETS Team we were fortunate to meet Barry who became involved when Rick began to struggle to manipulate a tablet and stylus for communication. Danette and Lora set up a stand-alone device operated by joystick and click controls which allows Rick to interact with family, friends, caregivers and the world. These dedicated professionals continue to upgrade services so that Rick can control the TV, play Suduko, listen to tunes and continue to write. These successes allow me a small measure of independence that I am truly grateful for.  

DULCINA HOSPICE thanks to the team of professionals who have provided exceptional care for Rick. Dr. Sharma with a great bedside manner and medication guru. Rock star nurses, Tory and Coralee, who take the time to establish a rapport with me to better understand how to best provide care. Eyerusalem, a caring professional, who always has my best interest at heart. I don't know if there is a better night team than Jean and Mercy. When Jean says call if you need anything, I believe she is sincere. Nikole and Lindsay, who always have a minute to engage and chat. Rabia, a natural, who instinctively knows how to best provide excellent care by picking up cues and details. . Victor, who does his job and every one else's exceptionally well. Cheery Rachel, doing her best to make me comfortable. Jonie and Dipika, a great team of caregivers. I've been truly fortunate to have met Tannis, Kathleen, Teri, Jodi, Lisa and Noelle who all have had a positive impact on my time here. Thanks to all the staff helping to keep me comfortable. Becky, who lights up my day with her enthusiasm and incandescent smile. Lisa, a personable gem, perfectly suited to her vocation. Her energy and people skills give us all a jolt of being alive. Carol, piloting the good ship Dulcina through rough seas and rocky shores. Volunteers Marie, Holly, Randy and Gerald striving to brighten my day; keep up your marvelous work.  

FRIENDS thanks, Murray for being there and your support for both Joyce and I. We very much appreciate all your help at the lake, Tom. I enjoyed your visits Marc and Kip, thanks for reminiscing about better times.  

FAMILY thanks for all the visits and support. We are grateful for hauling me and my medical paraphernalia forth and back to the cabin. To see family members pull together to get us to lock up, when I was bewildered and handicapped by the onset of the disease, was extraordinary! Kudos to everyone. Thanks Morgan for your help at the lake, we shared some wonderful times there. I trust you will look back fondly on those memories. Thanks Niko for all your efforts there, I hope they become cherished family memories. I appreciate you sacrificing your summers to help mom out with my care.  

MY ANGEL from our first kiss I knew you were the one! Since then my respect and admiration for this remarkable individual is difficult to put into words. I'm as attracted to her as I've ever been. She's been there through every step, stumble, fall and reset along the way. She mastered a new profession while heroically supporting me. She decided to teach as a coping mechanism and courageously persevered despite bullies undermining her and preying on her insecurities, fears and guilt. Thankfully Dr. Rimmer and Robin stepped in to move me to hospice before her health was further comprised. I didn't say this enough. LOVE YOU, Rick