Travis & I made it safely to Singapore, where incredibly I was able to catch up with a wonderful old friend from my McGill days, Steve Dufresne, who is married to my Kappa sister Sally! He generously treated us to Singapore Slings at the place they were invented at the historic Raffles Hotel. It was like time had not passed and if I were to tell you how long it actually was it may give away the fact that I am no longer in my twenties! The next morning we met up with Don, so fun to be with family in exotic locations, and played tourist on the Singapore Flyer and HoHo bus. We thoroughly enjoyed authentic food at the East Coast Lagoon food hawker. Mom & Dad arrived safely and we are now having an awesome time on the ship. Writing this from Ho Chi Minh, where we've had Phõ at the local market, unbelievably delicious, and have had our adrenaline rush crossing the street!

Tam Biet

I am feeling very lucky to be writing this blog as I look out at the beautiful Andaman Sea. As life becomes more difficult (my energy is decreasing and I can only walk for very short distances), I can't help but feel very grateful for the many lifetimes I feel I have lived (I'm on my ninth right now!). I have had incredible opportunities and I have met beautiful people who have crossed my path along the way. As you can tell by the last blog, I am also very lucky to have met my husband who tells me I'm brave when I feel as though I'm complaining, who believes in me when I don't believe in myself, who tells me I'm strong when I feel so weak, and carries me when I can't walk. Travis & I toured the island of Phuket by taxi yesterday and feel so fortunate to have chosen the resort that we did. Although not so much accessible with stairs throughout (I can do them with my arm around Travis and he gives me a boost), our room is right on the beach with a gorgeous view. Most hotels are across the road from a beach, or even up on a hill. As we toured the incredible island (although you are risking your life if you work in electricity- note picture below), I couldn't help but wonder where were all the people who have problems walking? There is no room for wheelchairs anywhere, and it struck me, if they are local they must not leave home, and foreigners do not come here for lack of accessibility. I am very grateful to live in a country where I matter, and though maybe we're not quite at the level of California accessibility, opportunities are provided to me to include me in life's experiences, rather than giving me the message that it's easier to just stay home. As Travis helps me into and out of the sea, I can't help but feel the healing power of the salt water as it eases my aching muscles and stiff joints. And new experiences are coming to me daily, off to a ladyboy show tomorrow and Singapore on Monday, lucky girl indeed!

Thailand has turned out to be as beautiful as all the movies make it out to be. From the incredible beaches and gorgeous weather, through to the amazing people and ever welcoming smiles, we are truly lucky to be here. 

Definitely feeling relaxed. Had a truly authentic Thai meal last night. Love the way that Asian cuisine manages to get the balance between sweet, sour, salt and spice. Looking forward to a round the island trip tomorrow (something Carol and I loved to do back in the St.Maarten days).

We chose to come to Thailand before going on our cruise to ensure that our bodies had recovered from the flights and acclimatized to the weather. Fully aware that it isn't going to be the most accessible place, but factoring in that it's not every day you end up on the other side of the world, Carol is taking every step of the way with amazing courage and determination. The resort itself is incredible but like a lot of Thailand has steps throughout. Most people with mobility issues probably would have given up or been frightened off just looking at the website but Carol has a sense of strength far beyond her physical body that gives her this "never say never" attitude that is truly inspiring to see and be a part of. So she went ahead and booked it anyway knowing that together, taking our time, we can overcome anything and still get to enjoy this amazing place. Such a sense of pride to walk this journey with her. 

Blown away by Thailand and blown away by my wife. 

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I am walking in this year’s 2015 WALK for ALS to help people living with ALS. Please donate to my personal fundraising page or join the WALK for ALS along with me. www.walkforals.ca/ottawa  Together, we can make a difference for the ALS community.  My team name is "Living Loving Laughing Walkers".

This year is a particularly special and meaningful year for me as I've been asked to be the lead family for the 2015 walk.  My role will be to speak to media the week of, and during the walk, give a speech at the walk, and lead the procession with friends and family.

The WALK for ALS is the largest fundraiser for the ALS Societies across Canada. It is our way to continue to raise awareness and funds for the ALS community who everyday show us the strength of the human spirit, compassion for others and the inspiration to continue to fight this devastating disease. By participating or donating to my page, you will be funding support and equipment services for people living with ALS in Ontario manage their journey through this disease. You will also be contributing towards research to find a treatment for ALS. Today, there is no cure for ALS. 

What is ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)?
Our brain is connected to our muscles through a series of living wires called motor neurons. These motor neurons are grouped in bundles that run throughout our body to allow us to move, speak, swallow and breathe.  In ALS these motor neurons degenerate and die, which breaks the connection from the brain to the muscle leading to weakness, followed by paralysis. Eventually people affected with ALS lose their ability to breathe. 

Facts about ALS
•    90% of people diagnosed with ALS have no heredity link
•    Everyday two to three Canadians die because of ALS; and everyday two to three Canadians are newly diagnosed
•    There is no treatment or cure for ALS
•    The lifespan after diagnosis is on average two to five years
•    There are currently 2500 to 3000 Canadians living with ALS

Please Join me in supporting the ALS community with a secure online donation using your credit card. This year’s goal is to raise $2.25 million. Together we can reach this goal!

For more information about ALS or the ALS Society of Canada, visit als.ca

Thank you for your support!