Here is Rick and I speaking to the Whitemouth School staff and students.
First of all, I did not post any pics any of the students in the rally on purpose because of all kinds of school safety rules.
Our day started by scurrying around and getting Rick ready. Then it started to pour rain!
As we were walking through the rain a few blocks to the Whitemouth School for the 3rd Annual ALS Walk kickoff presentation we were both in anticipation of how it would turn out this year. The first time we met with the students in 2008 Rick was just using his cane...the kids have been on this journey with us from the start so they are very aware each year of the changes in Rick's condition.
We were greeted by many of the school staff and student body with cheery hellos etc. The ALS Society has finished their ALS Educational Dvd which includes Rick and I so we were really pleased to be able to use it for our presentation. This is the day where the students are handed out their pledge sheets.
A special thanks to Doug at Tripwire Media Group who produced this dvd. They have done a wonderful job of putting it all together!
After the dvd was shown the students burst into spontaneous applause! We were so pleased that they really embraced the content of the presentation. The nearly 300 students and staff were all gathered together in the auditorium for the presentation. After the dvd was shown the floor was opened to question and answer period. Once again to our amazement the students asked and asked and asked questions. The questions were so thoughtful and pertinent. We were amazed again at the frankness and perceptiveness that the students showed. The questions ranged from "what is the worst thing about ALS?" to "Are you afraid of dying?" and anything in between.
Joan and I have always been real open especially at the schools so that no question is out of bounds! We really feel it is important that we get out there and be transparent about the challenges of living with ALS.
Special thanks to Jennifer Staerk who coordinated the rally, principal Jeff Whitford for opening the school to us, the teachers, and of course all the students of Whitemouth School!
We are looking forward to meeting the students next week on the 5th of May at Reynolds School!
We can't wait for the Whitemouth School Walk Friday May 14th......
Also take note...ALS commercial starts airing on May 10th on CTV Winnipeg.
