When Hannah Stehr-So’s father Ted was diagnosed with ALS in August 2017, it was hard watching him no longer be multi-talented man she knows and loves.
“My dad was always the person who could do anything – construction, plumbing, electricity, gardening, car mechanics, computer programming, to name a few, and to watch him slowly lose his ability to walk and use his hands has been difficult,” said Stehr-So, a New Westminster resident. “I am so proud of my dad’s adaptability and tenacity, and I am grateful for how our family has pulled together since his diagnosis.”
One way that Stehr-So has dealt with her father’s illness is to raise money for the ALS Society of BC. The 24-year-old raised $3,245 in pledges at the BMO Marathon to honour Ted. In recognition of her efforts, she received the Leader of Tomorrow Award at the ALS Society of BC Awards ceremony.
“The ALS Society of BC has identified how they can support each family living with ALS, and coordinates equipment, offers workshops and provides a variety of help, which lessens the pressure on our family,” said Stehr-So. “We recently went on a short trip to Victoria, and the ALS Society helped coordinate, and fund equipment to make the stay easier for my dad.”
The Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes youth and young adults under the age of 25 who make a difference in the lives of those living with ALS through their volunteer efforts. This award recognizes initiatives or efforts undertaken in the previous calendar year in support of ALS including fundraising, advocacy, public awareness, or going above and beyond to care for an individual living with ALS by providing assistance, companionship and support.
“She has the same passion as her father Ted, to give back and help others,” said Wendy Toyer, executive director of the ALS Society of BC. “For her participation in the marathon, she helped motivate and encourage other young people to also fundraise.”
