Defying ALS with Unbreakable Resilience
In 2021, just weeks before his daughter’s wedding, Fred Birnbaum was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and devastating disease. Despite the uncertainty, Fred was determined to make the most of his time, celebrating with family and friends and cherishing every moment. After the wedding, Fred knew the challenges ahead were significant. Yet, he approached it all with resilience and a hopeful heart. “I’m naturally a positive person, and I encourage others to take a step back and view the bigger picture of their lives, appreciating the blessings they’ve received,” he says.
Fred’s journey led him to Sunnybrook’s renowned ALS Clinic, part of the Garry Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program. Here, Fred gained access to the latest therapies and clinical trials, offering him a vision to a potential future. The clinic’s approach combines advanced medical treatments with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by ALS patients, providing personalized, research-driven care to approximately 700 patients each year, and is located within the new Garry Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre.
Fred is participating in an innovative clinical trial at Sunnybrook, where Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is used. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that delivers magnetic pulses through a coil placed outside the patient’s head to stimulate brain cells. Sunnybrook is the first facility in the world to use TMS not only as a treatment for patients with ALS but also as a tool to measure how cells in the motor cortex respond.
Raising Funds and Awareness for ALS Research
Inspired by his gratitude for the care he received, he launched “Fred Fights ALS” to raise funds to support research and raise awareness for the ALS community. Over the past two years, Fred’s effort has raised nearly $300,000, surpassing its goals and advancing research at Sunnybrook. Fred emphasizes the importance of giving back: “Recognizing the need and taking action, the act of giving is a way to thank those who have cared for you.”
To find out how you can support Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, contact events@sunnybrook.ca and learn more about community fundraising.
