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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, December 20, 2012 · 24 New friends making every minute count Friends Paul Lamirande and Milt MacLean are celebrating an incredible achievement: together, in just four months, they have written A Life Journey, the story of Lamirande's life. "Everyone has a story to tell," says Lamirande. "It's important to me to tell mine. For my grandkids, and also to let people know what I think and feel about living with ALS." Lamirande, of Oakville, has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) -- Lou Gehrig's disease -- a debilitating disease characterized by rapidly progressive weakness, and muscle atrophy. It quickly leads to difficult speaking, swallowing, breathing, and in most cases, death. Lamirande met MacLean of Burlington, when they were matched through Acclaim Health's Hospice Visiting program. Lamirande was interested in keeping his mind active, despite a body that is slowly succumbing to ALS. MacLean was looking for meaningful ways to stay challenged in retirement. Together they embarked on a journey to fulfill one of Lamirande's greatest wishes: to put his life story into words. A former president of the Kinsmen Club in Meadowvale, with a long and varied career in music and in business, Lamirande wanted to share his story to help people remember he is defined by more than his struggle with ALS. He also wants others facing similar challenges to take strength from all that he has accomplished while living with the disease. "You don't have a choice. You have to fight and be positive, and find ways to help other people no matter what you're dealing with," he said. Asked why they've been able to accomplish so much, Lamirande is quick to answer, saying, "we think alike." MacLean agrees with a laugh, "that's scary, but that's true." Both have been changed by the experience. "As a volunteer," said MacLean, "the rewards are much greater than what you put in. It's exciting for me to see him accomplish his goal. His courage, determination and sense of humour are an inspiration to me." Lamirande is now living in the Waterford Long Term Care Residence in Oakville. As his physical world shrinks, it is even more important to him to be open to new experiences and new people. We're happy we've helped Lamirande and Milt find each other. "Friendship is very important. Without people like Milt, it would be a sad, sad world," said Lamirande. -- Submitted by Acclaim Health Health Oakville Beaver ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog Life story: Paul Lamirande, centre, of Oakville, has ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He and his visiting volunteer from Acclaim Health, Milt MacLean, left, and Acclaim volunteer Nora Cameron, are pictured as Lamirande's book, A Life Journey, was published. Lamirande and MacLean collaborated to write a book about Lamirande's life. Oakville MP on drug safety panel Oakville MP Terence Young will be one of three panelists in an upcoming discussion on prescription drug safety. Co-hosted by RxISK.org and the Patients' Association of Canada, the free panel discussion, called You and Your Meds: Are They Safe?, will be held Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013 at Jackman Hall at the Art Gallery Ontario (AGO) in Toronto. "With adverse reactions to prescription drugs being the fourth leading cause of death behind cancer, heart disease and stroke, this discussion will focus on the safety of medications that people take daily and often take for granted," stated a press release. According to the Environics Research Group, 49 per cent of Canadian adults have been diagnosed with one or more chronic conditions that are being treated with ongoing medication -- the highest rate among 28 countries studied in 2011. The panelists also include worldrenowned psychiatrist Dr. David Healy Helping Families Every Step of the Way! and Patients' Association of Canada founder Dr. Sholom Glouberman. Specializes in: After brief presentations from each of · Pediatrics · Fertility Issues the panelists, the audience will have · Pre and Postnatal Care · Low Back/Neck Pain · Naturally Turning · Sciatica opportunities to ask questions. Breech Babies · Posture The event runs 7-8:30 p.m., after · Headaches/Migraines · Osteoarthritis which the panelists will have their books Wellness care for the entire family! available for sale and signing in the foyer HAPPY HOLIDAYS of Jackman Hall. Wishing you Good Health in the New Year. Those interested in attending need to register at www.rxisk.eventbrite.com, as 250 Wyecroft Rd., Unit 15, Oakville, ON space is limited. Dr. Jenna Davis The AGO is located at 317 Dundas St. Family Chiropractor/Acupuncturist W. in Toronto, west of University Avenue 905.844.WELL (9355) and the St. Patrick subway station. www.acornhealth.ca drdavis@acornhealth.ca