On Tuesday and Wednesday we found ourselves in Toronto.  We went and met some of the staff and patients at the ALS Clinic at the Sunnybrook Hospital which runs every Tuesday.  (They see 20-30 patients every week and most patients only come in once every 3 months - that gives you an idea of the huge number of people licing with this disease in the Toronto area alone!)  It was really great to sit and talk with everyone and hear the stories of their lives before, during, and after ALS.  It’s truly an amazing thing listening to so many people talk about the challenges they face with ALS and still finding a way to be so full of hope - I wish I could learn this skill.  There have been times on this trip that even I had to wonder if there was any hope to this mission.  Sometimes it feels like the challenges are too great, and then I meet patients like Don, John, Heather and Bruce…all patients of Sunnybrook.  They remind me to never give up, keep your head up and your eye on the prize.  

While in Toronto we found it hard to get any media attention - so we parked the Gord-mobile right in front of the CBC headquarters near the CN Tower and walked through the front door.   The receptionist was extremely helpful, and she even reached into her wallet and made a $20 donation.  Unfortunately, she was unable to find us a show at the CBC in Toronto that had time for us on our short time frame.  Although, we met a popular talk show host in the lobby, who briefly chatted with us and then wished us well.  He told us we needed a “good” media contact, you know an “insider”…we suggested that maybe “he” could be our “insider”… but he didn’t bite at that opportunity.  Oh well, we will keep trying. 

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I am trying to take a stab at Toronto.  I’ve simply noticed a few things here that I haven’t noticed any where else - like the fact that Torontonians seemed to respond better to free “handshakes” instead of free “hugs”.  I think Toronto really needs a group hug. :)

Anyway, we are currently in Thunder Bay and while I was feeling rather discouraged in Toronto, several acts of kindness since we left has turned my attitude and outlook positive once again.  Not only did we receive warm wishes and free hotel rooms at the Lakeview Hotel in Wawa, ON, but we also met a man who has an aunt suffering from ALS.  The funny thing is we met him in the hotel bar and just started chatting.  He heard us telling someone what we were doing.  He then asked a few questions and then we talked about the “usual” things, like work and where you live etc.  Later that night when we went to pay our bill, we were told it was already taken care of.  This total stranger had paid our bill because he thought what were we doing was something most people wouldn’t - and then he told us about his aunt.  Such a random act of kindness has rejuvenated the spirits of the team and we thank you for that!  And if you are ever in Wawa, you really have to check out this hotel… (the Lakeview Hotel)… the rooms are really cool plus everyone there is super friendly. 

-jeannie

Last Modified : October 7th, 2007 Filed under : On Location Navigate : Previous post / Next post