Since opening its doors 25 years ago, The Neuro鈥檚 ALS Clinic has grown from two clinicians to a multidisciplinary team of over 15. Recognized internationally as a centre of excellence in ALS clinical research and patient care, the clinic delivers the latest in treatments and conducts state-of-the-art research to improve outcomes for current and future patients.听
In the fall of 2022, The Neuro was contacted by a patient in the ALS Clinic, Robert White. Robert, 鈥淏ob鈥�, wanted to give a gift to help other ALS patients. He spoke about the day the occupational therapist suggested he start using adaptive utensils to help him adjust to his loss of control when eating 鈥� he described this as 鈥渁 hard day鈥�.听听
When he returned home after the appointment and ordered adaptive utensils for himself online, he thought how much better this painful milestone would have been if the occupational therapist could have reached behind her desk and offered him a set. Bob also found the services of a psychologist helpful after his diagnosis, but wondered about patients who didn鈥檛 have the means to see a therapist. He envisioned a psychologist housed within the ALS Clinic who understood the trajectory of the disease and whose services would be free for patients.听听
With Bob鈥檚 compassionate and personal vision, The Neuro established the Robert White ALS Research and Clinical Support Fund. Among other things, it includes adaptive utensils available free of charge for patients and the services of a psychologist. A nurse from the clinic recently shared that the psychologist, who joined the team in the spring, has had a transformational impact on patients, saying 鈥渨e can鈥檛 imagine the clinic without him鈥�.听听
Bob also gave a coffee machine for nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, which is now in the nursing office on the first floor. 鈥淏ob made a lasting impression. He had such a positive attitude,鈥� says occupational therapist Kendra Berry.听
Sadly, Bob passed away in March, before he could see the impact of his gift. The Neuro is grateful to Bob for what he shared, and for the impact his gift will have on patients and families.
