Honouring my Aunty Diana: A Tribute to Her Courage and a Call for ALS Awareness

This past Tuesday, we buried my beloved Aunt Diana after a courageous battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). ALS is a cruel and relentless disease that slowly robs its victims of their ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe. It began for Aunt Diana with some twitching muscles, but swiftly and mercilessly, she lost her ability to speak, spending the last five months of her life mute. Yet, despite the immense suffering, her spirit and strength remained unbroken.

Aunt Diana's story is one of immense love and dedication. She leaves behind two loving sons, a doting husband, five adorable grandchildren, and two amazing daughters-in-law. While her story is theirs to tell, I want to honour her memory by raising awareness about ALS and expressing my gratitude for the efforts made to combat this devastating disease.

In 2014, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge took the world by storm, raising both awareness and much-needed funds for ALS research. The viral campaign saw millions of people, from celebrities to everyday folks, douse themselves with ice water and challenge others to do the same while donating to ALS charities. This global phenomenon raised over $115 million for the ALS Association in just eight weeks, leading to significant advancements in research and support for those affected by the disease.

ALS is often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, after the famous baseball player who brought national attention to the condition in the 1930s. According to the ALS Association, approximately 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with ALS each year, and it is estimated that at least 16,000 Americans have the disease at any given time. Despite its devastating impact, ALS research remains underfunded, and there is still no cure.

For those inspired to help, there are several ways to contribute to the fight against ALS:

1. Donate to ALS Charities: Organizations like the ALS Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Project ALS are crucial in funding research and providing support for those living with ALS.
2. Participate in Fundraising Events: Many communities host events such as walks, runs, and bike rides to raise money for ALS research. Participating or volunteering at these events can make a big difference.
3. Advocate for ALS Research: Raise your voice by contacting your local representatives and urging them to support increased funding for ALS research and patient care.
4. Raise Awareness: Use social media platforms to share information about ALS, personal stories, and ways others can get involved. The more people know about ALS, the more likely they are to support efforts to find a cure.

Aunty Diana was like a mother to me, shaping the person I am today. Her unwavering love and guidance were gifts I will treasure forever. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her life and the incredible person she was. I was incredibly touched this week to see all my family members in the UK at her funeral, and to speak to so many of her friends who loved her dearly. I was truly honoured to read her eulogy at her funeral, which was attended by an incredible amount of people.

In closing, I leave you with a quote that resonates deeply: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller

For any of you who have had this cruel illness affect your lives in any way, I salute you and pray that we can all continue to honour anyone who has suffered from ALS and my Aunty Diana's memory by supporting the fight against ALS and spreading awareness. Together, we can make a difference.

#ALSawareness #EndALS #InMemoryOfAuntDiana #FightALS #LoveAndLoss #HopeForACure

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For more information on ALS and how you can help, visit the ALS Association website here .