An Espanola woman is taking part in the ALS Walk in Sudbury this weekend in memory of her mother.
Espanola resident Melanie Poirier says she has walked for the last five years, but this year it is special since she now walks in memory of her mother Rita Poirier who died in 2021 following a five-year battle with the ALS.
Poirier says ALS is a disease that gradually paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles impacting everyone in the family as the person gradually loses their ability to move.
She started the annual walk in 2018 to help the association and raise awareness but adds the process has helped her personally in accepting, grieving, and now healing from her loss.
Poirier adds she was successful in raising $4,675 over the last five years and hopes to exceed a total of $5,000 this year.
The walk starts at ten am this Saturday at the Delki Dozzi Track in Sudbury.
Want to donate … visit: https://alscanadawalktoendals.als.ca/ontario/sudbury
