Help Leslie get treatment for ALS

Give Leslie New Hope in Her Battle with ALS

The Battle  In just two short years, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) has robbed Leslie Vanderzwet of her ability to speak. Eating is increasingly difficult, and Leslie is experiencing muscle loss in her hands and ankles. Currently there is no cure for ALS. This cruel disease destroys the ability to speak, to swallow, to move, and eventually to breathe.

The Hope Recently Leslie was accepted for stem cell treatment through the Stem Cell of America Foundation. While this treatment does not offer a cure, many patients report that the progress of their ALS symptoms slows and, in some cases reverses, following the procedure. The Foundation only accepts 24 ALS patients a year, and Leslie feels very lucky to be selected. But the treatment presents a significant challenge for someone who is no longer able to work: $18,000 US, plus travel to the clinic in Mexico. The treatments are not covered by Canadian health insurance.

Meet Leslie  Leslie Vanderzwet has lived, worked, and raised her family in the Bow Valley over the last three decades. Until 2013, she worked at The Banff Centre as General Manager for Conferences. Among her many friends, Leslie is known for her trademark laugh, her adventurous spirit, her loyalty, and her love for fine wine, good food, and fast wheels. Her circle of friends extends beyond the Bow Valley, across Canada, and around the world through her work with the International Association of Conference Centres (IACC).

Despite the difficult road ahead, Leslie’s spirits remain high. She still wears her signature high heels, she skis, and plays golf whenever she is able. This summer, if her health allows, Leslie is determined to take a long-dreamt-of horseback trip into the Banff backcountry.

How You Can Help Give Leslie new hope in her battle to slow the progress of ALS. Donations will be used to defray the costs of Leslie’s stem cell treatment and associated travel costs. Every donation helps.