My ALS Journey
In May 2025, I was diagnosed with sporadic ALS, a shock to us all. Today, seven months later, I am living with both bulbar and limb-onset ALS.
ALS is a devastating disease. It is an exclusionary diagnosis, meaning it takes time and countless tests to confirm. That waiting period, living in uncertainty, was one of the hardest parts.
My symptoms began in the summer of 2024: subtle changes in my speech, balance, and muscle strength in my right hand. At first, I hoped it was something minor. But as the months passed, the reality became clear. When my doctors first mentioned ALS, I clung to hope that every test would rule it out. Sadly, almost a year after my first symptoms, the diagnosis was confirmed, bringing heartbreak and fear about what the future might hold.
Today, my speech continues to decline, making it harder to be understood. Eating has become a daily challenge as chewing and swallowing grows more difficult. What began as weakness in my right hand and drop foot in my left leg has progressed to a general weakening of all muscles and loss of balance. I now rely on a cane and walker, and we’ve begun adapting our home for the future.
While there is currently no cure for ALS, there are treatments and ongoing research that give me hope. I’m approaching this challenge with as much strength and determination as possible, doing everything I can to stay healthy, positive, and proactive.
This journey is not easy, but I’m not giving up, and I’m not facing it alone.
About Me
I am a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.
After more than 38 years in commercial and residential real estate, I retired in 2019. Since then, my wife Lucille and I have cherished our time at the cottage in Lake Eugenia, and enjoying travel, golf, biking, hiking, skiing, pickle ball and most importantly time with family and friends.
These experiences have always brought me a deep sense of joy and fulfillment. Although ALS has taken away many of the things I love, I continue to find meaning and gratitude in the moments I share with the people closest to me.
Why I’m Raising Funds
Since my diagnosis, I’ve been deeply motivated to support ALS research; to help accelerate diagnosis, explore treatments that can improve quality of life, and ultimately find a cure.
The funds raised will directly support ALS research at Sunnybrook, a global leader in ALS research, care, and innovation. Together, we can help sustain their life-changing work and bring hope for a brighter future for everyone affected by ALS.
My Motivation
I continue to wake up every day and fight ALS for my wife Lucille; my sons Alexandre (Michelle) and Mathieu; my daughter Maxine (Bryce); and my two granddaughters Madison and Sydney.
Your kindness and support make all the difference. Together, we can help end ALS.
Please join me in this fight. Every donation brings us closer to a future without ALS.
– RP
The Pike Family has started this fundraiser with an initial $65,000 contribution and we are excited for funds we can continue to raise with your support .
💡 Donation Tips
Remember that all charitable donations qualify for a combined federal and provincial tax credit of 20.05% on the first $200, which increases to approximately 40.16% for the portion of your donations over $200. If you are at the top bracket, your combine tax credit excess of $200 is 44.16%.
Donating publicly traded securities is one of the most tax-efficient ways to support ALS research. When you donate appreciated securities, the capital gain is fully exempt from personal tax, and you receive a charitable tax receipt for the full fair market value of the securities at the time of transfer.
If you wish to donate this way, please note Robert Pike on the securities transfer form and cc Kristen Brennan when submitting the form by email. Her email is: kristen.brennan@sunnybrook.ca. Additional instructions can be found by copy and pasting the following page on sunnybrook's website: https://foundation.sunnybrook.ca/support-sunnybrook/ways-to-give/stock-donation/