Third Annual Walk to End ALS honours late Cathi Snider

June 2, 2022 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Family members of Cathi Snider, a local woman who passed away two years ago, will be honouring her memory as they take part in 3rd annual Walk To End ALS
this weekend.

“I want to remember my sister and I want to remember her by recognizing what she had to go through,” said Debra Bettio. “We know how much the ALS Society supported us, and we want to make sure that other families know that there is support and that there continues to be support.”

Cathi Snider was diagnosed with ALS in August of 2019 after experiencing a fall, undergoing physiotherapy, and several tests in hospital. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a terminal progressive nervous system disease that affect the nerves in the brain and spinal cord causing loss of muscle control.

After battling the disease for six months, Cathi passed away in February of 2020.

For the past two years, the walk in memory of Cathi has mainly included family members and has taken place in various cities. The 2022 Walk to End ALS will mark the first walk the family is able to come together in one area, and they’re now inviting the community to participate.

“If any of her friends or members of the community want to participate in this, we’re happy for them to join,” said Bettio.

The Town of Shelburne proclaimed June, ALS Awareness Month in the community during their meeting on May (30).

As part of the Walk to End ALS, funds are being raised to go towards research of ALS and community-based support. Team Cathi has a fundraising goal of $3,000 and at the time of print has raised $2,160.

Family members of Cathi reached out to a number of local businesses whom she was a frequent customer of. One of those businesses included Shelburne Auto and Cycle, who donated $500 to the cause.

“Cathi was a customer of mine for my entire career, she would bring her car wherever I was working, everyone always looked forward to the Christmas treats she brought in. She was proud of her kids and especially her grandchildren and was sure to show me pictures on her iPad she was carrying – she is missed for sure,” wrote Chris Ferris.

Anyone interested in donating can do so by visiting the Walk to End ALS website and searching for Team Cathi. Family members will also be collecting donations on the day of the walk.

The 3rd Annual Walk to End ALS in memory of Cathi Snider will take place on June 5. The walk will consist of 5 kilometres with various points where participants can cut off to make the walk shorter. The walk will begin at the Agricultural Centre in Shelburne at 9:30 a.m.