John Mayne and his family are looking for more awareness and support following his ALS diagnosis. (GoFundMe)

By Kevin Rothwell

Go-Fund-Me campaign

Cancer survivor now battling ALS

Aug 4, 2022 | 6:00 AM

A local man who has been in remission from cancer for several years has recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle function which eventually leaves the body completely paralyzed. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, he will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe.

“My dad, John [Mayne], beat cancer and has been in remission for five years now, but he was recently handed the devastating diagnosis of ALS, which is a rare progressive fatal neuron disease. His progression has been very fast,” daughter Chantel Mayne posted on a Go-Fund Me page and Facebook.

The $10,000 fundraiser was at around $2,700 as of Wednesday afternoon.

His daughter says John’s body function is already not at 100 per cent and he has a hard time moving around. With that being said, he will have to find new housing that’s more accessible for his needs. Eventually he will need a new vehicle that is also wheelchair accessible.

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Adaptive Scooter (photo submitted)

Mayne posted on his Facebook page that he recently got some mobility back with the installation of a ramp and a mobility scooter.

Most adaptive needs like equipment will be covered through the ALS Society, but the things that are not will need to be paid out of pocket which can be expensive.

Mayne has been trying to get some bucket list items done, and he recently went on a sturgeon fishing trip.

“He has a couple things on his bucket list that he would love to achieve while he still can,” Chantel Mayne wrote. “If you aren’t able to donate, we would appreciate you sharing to raise awareness for this horrible disease in hopes for more research on ALS. On behalf of the Mayne family, we thank you for your love and support.”

Community support is also coming in other ways with the Riverfront Pub and Grill in Grindrod donating all their empties to Mayne for the month of August.