Tom Henihan
Express Staff
The Royal Canadian Legion in McLennan is hosting a pasta supper fundraiser for Norman Soucy to help him purchase and install a stair chair at his home in McLennan.
Diagnosed with MS in 2003, Soucy was working up to last year but while recuperating from a fall that hurt his back, he contracted a staph infection, which precipitated a rapid decline in his health.
“A year ago he was mobile, he was working so we didn’t have any of the equipment that he needs and now he needs everything,” says Norman’s wife Shannon. You’re looking at a $20,000 price tag and that is something we just don’t have so that is why we are fundraising.”
Soucy has primary progressive MS, the most virulent form of the disease that affects only five percent of the population. The most common form of the disease is secondary progressive MS.
Norman Soucy has been hospitalized for lengthy periods over the past year, most recently from August 22 through early October at Glenrose Hospital in Edmonton.
“He is doing well and has a good positive outlook and that’s really helpful,” says Shannon. “He is working with his hands, doing all kinds of exercises so his hands keep the mobility that he needs to have.”
Shannon says she understands that many people are struggling and that she appreciates the efforts of the Legion on behalf of her husband and their two young children.
“I know that everyone is struggling and we are not the only ones suffering,” she says. The people at the Legion wanted to do this for us and every bit helps. I am working to pay the bills and making sure that he has a home instead of being in a nursing home.”
The pasta supper fundraiser is by donation and will be held at the Royal Canadian LegionHall in McLennan on Saturday October 15, at 5pm.