Toronto

I always find the cat!

Travis and I are back from our mini-break in Toronto.  FINALLY I was feeling better and we managed to enjoy ourselves with thanks to Travis's hotel reward from the Brookstreet.  We stayed at the Delta on the 45th floor with corner windows and even floor to ceiling windows in the bathroom, with views of the CN Tower and City Airport.  We were able to lie in bed watching the CN Tower light show as we fell asleep.  Amazing!

Travis and I enjoyed a much needed date night with delicious food at Jules Bistro, and then enjoyed cocktails at the Whiskey Bar in the hotel afterward.

We had thought about sightseeing and/or taking in a show, but who were we kidding?  Our favourite kind of tourism is the eating and drinking kind, so after a bit of shopping, we went for lunch at Ki for sushi, then to Mirto for dinner with Annemarie and Mama Smith.  Not sure if Travis got a word in with the ladies gabbing!  Foodie vacations are the best!

The ALS Canada Research Forum was an inspiring event.  Hundreds of researchers from across Canada were in attendance and it was heartening to see the work being done on behalf of finding a treatment for ALS.  ALS Canada's Director of Research Dr. David Taylor put together an incredible presentation on the connections between provinces, institutions and the people who are working to win the fight against ALS.  He is a true genius and the ALS community is lucky to have him.  Also, Tammy Moore, the CEO of ALS Canada is an unbelievable leader and is so good at what she does, I can't believe we've got her!  Lianne Johnston, my ALS Canada Regional Manager also works tirelessly on behalf of her clients.  It meant so much to meet a young researcher whose dad died from ALS who has chosen to make her life's work about eliminating ALS.  I also met other ALS Canada Ambassadors, my hero Eddy www.lets-roll.ca, and family members who have lost their loved ones to ALS.  The people who are dedicating their lives to those of us living with ALS are so incredible, and I am so lucky to have the smartest people in the world focusing on this ridiculous illness.  Because of their devotion, and the commitment of so many amazing people I met at the conference, I have no doubt that ALS is sure to be a disease of the past! 

I finished my speech the day before the ALS Canada Research Forum, phew!  It was incredible to have Travis stand beside me and speak with me.  We had an overwhelming response to our speech and hopefully made an impact.  If you are interested, you can read it on my media page.