Ruppe’s journey with ALS

Times Reporter  

 

In Strathmore, if you hadn’t heard the name Kyle Ruppe, before the ALS Ice bucket Challenge, you probably have now. People taking the challenge in Strathmore and/or Wheatland County often mention him as who they are raising awareness for.

In 2012, Ruppe, a former Strathmore High School student, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, at the age of 29.

On Aug. 15, thanks to the help of his friend Ryan van Asten, the new Calgary Flames strength and conditioning coach, Ruppe took part in the Ice Bucket Challenge in an epic way- the Stanley Cup was his ‘bucket’.

“I think the challenge is amazing. In my opinion, not a lot of people know about ALS or very much about it. The challenge has created awareness in a way that even if people don’t look up anything about ALS, they challenge other people who might learn something about it,” said Ruppe.

“So even having one more person learning about this disease is important in my eyes. So many people know about it now and so much money has been raised that this challenge is the best thing to happen for ALS in the world today.

“My other hope for the campaign is that the money raised allows research for the cure to be accelerated so much faster than it would have without this substantial increase in funding for ALS. I hope it allows more researchers to work on finding a cure and the money allows them to try many more ideas sooner than later.” 

ALS is a progressive and fatal disease. Eventually the body succumbs to paralysis and the respiratory system becomes compromised, which leads to most affected patients dying of respiratory failure and pneumonia after a few years. 

Ruppe has always tried to live life to the fullest, and even since his diagnosis he stills tries to fit in every adventure he can. The disease has been progressing faster than he would like, but he remains optimistic that he can hang on and overcome his challenges until a cure is found. 

“I had pneumonia (three) weeks ago and I thought I wasn’t going to pull through. It was the scariest thing I’ve ever dealt with, but I overcame that and I’m feeling a lot better now. So I am still optimistic and plan on fighting until a cure is found,” said Ruppe.

Thanks to the support of family and friends and all of the fundraising they have done, Ruppe has had the opportunity to try every type of treatment he could research. The treatments were extremely controversial and expensive, but Ruppe had to try them, something he wouldn’t have been able to do without the support he has received. 

“Even though none of the treatments helped stop the effects of ALS, they gave me hope when I was struggling and wishing that something would work. I’m still waiting and ready to try the next big thing they may come up with,” said Ruppe. 

“For the last year and half I have been a part of two drug trials in hopes that they might help with ALS. The first one is complete and I’m almost done the second trial now. They haven’t helped yet but I will find out soon if doctors found any benefit from the first drug trial.” 

Also thanks to the generosity of people who know Ruppe, or have heard his story, he has been able to take some amazing trips around the world. His ALS had been progressing quickly, and depression began to set in. 

“It was so hard to accept all of the things that were happening to my body. All of a sudden I was in a wheelchair and my body was shutting down and even my mouth wasn’t working properly anymore because I couldn’t speak clearly and couldn’t eat anymore,” said Ruppe.

“I had to get a feeding tube to eat now and it all weighed so heavily on me that the depression was hurting me emotionally and physically. The trips I have been on helped take me away from it and revitalized me mentally each time as well as messages and visits from friends. 

“Other than that, watching TV and movies is how I spend most of my time since I can’t move on my own. I’m extremely lucky and grateful that I have so many amazing friends and family to allow me to do any of that when I really need it. Their support is what I am thankful for more than anything because I couldn’t survive without them all.”

Ruppe’s story is touching and heartbreaking all at the same time, and it is also a strong reminder of why the ALS Ice Bucket challenge is happening, and why it is so important to raise awareness and funds. 

“I love to donate or help www.als.ca, but if I could i would love to help kids get into hockey or other sports who don’t have the money, because of what hockey was able to give me in my life. Maybe I will be able to start an organization to help kids in Strathmore someday. Fingers crossed!”