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My life’s purpose ever since my ALS diagnosis on December 21, 2018, is to bring ALS awareness to Canadians. I am approaching 1 1/2 years into my personal ALS journey and the time has come to act on a dream of mine. The dream has evolved over time and it has had several variations as it all started pre-diagnoses. It goes something like this.
I will assemble a team including a tour manager, a social media expert, an ALS Canada representative, an Occupational Therapist, my wife etc… I will purchase a touring van and have it painted in ALS Canada colours along with logos of potential sponsors. My team and I will embark on a cross Canada expedition creating ALS awareness and raising millions in the process for ALS research. During the periods when I lie in bed awake, I vision this dream to emulate The Terry Fox Marathon of Hope run or a Rick Hansen Man in Motion Tour. Such grandiose dreams can become reality and I am aware of the scope of it all.
Many months of planning, collecting resources and having a suitable environment (non-covid19) is necessary. In addition, the state of my health, i.e ALS progression must be at the forefront of any decision making. So… regrettably I am putting this dream of mine on the back burner for now, while at the same time contemplating if I am the right person to begin with.
My Dream’s Scaled Back Version
Brian Bower’s ALS Ride of Dreams
The month of June is ALS awareness month here in Canada. Beginning on June 1st, I intend on riding my mobility scooter 5km each and every day of June for a total of 150km. I will use the Recreational Canal Pathway in Welland or my own neighbourhood as my raceway. My purpose is to create ALS awareness through social media, local newspapers, radio and TV. I will fundraise through an ALS Canada link provided to me that would be specific to this event.
Perhaps I will have a kick-off event in front of my home to start things off. Some of my motivation for this style of fundraising event comes from Captain Tom Moore from Britain whom raised money for their health care system. His story was unbelievably inspiring to me. My fundraising goal will be set at $5000 and there will be virtually no overhead costs. I need to do this and the scope is within my capability. I will need some help from my friends and family particularly with spreading the news and encouragement.
ALS Canada has created a Team Page for Brian Bower’s ALS Ride of Dreams
The following link will connect you. Please join my team to help me realize my dream of bringing ALS awareness to Canadians.
http://www.alsevents.ca/BrianBowersALSRideOfDreams
ATTENTION: Businesses and Corporations
We are opening up 30 opportunities to businesses or corporations to sponsor 1 of the 30 days of Brian Bower’s ALS Ride of Dreams.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=698074667608418&id=100022176724735
I will post the 30 day sponsor schedule once it becomes full. I know that sounds presumptuous but I am optimistic that we can do this!
Each day prior to our ride, I will create a posting thanking that days sponsor for contributing to ALS Canada.
If you or somebody that you know is interested, please email me at emmitboy@hotmail.com
The sponsor donation is $250.
Thank you,
Brian & Michelle Bower
