A local man has been honoured for his work advocating for people living with ALS.
Dave Jeffery was given an ALS Society of BC Advocacy Award, which recognizes individuals for their efforts and initiatives to change public policy to benefit those diagnosed with the disease.
Jeffery was given his ALS diagnosis six and a half years ago, and passed away on March 28. His son, Robby, accepted the award on his behalf in a virtual ceremony on April 6.
“In his own efforts to express what he was going through, he found himself,” Robby said. “His big message was, in spite of negative circumstances, there can be opportunities for us to find grace in everyday living, where we can feel encouraged, where we can feel uplifted.”
Jeffery had written three books, and numerous articles in Faith Today Magazine, sharing his experiences living with ALS. He goal was to raise awareness, and to support programs and services for others who were fighting the disease.
His most recent book, “The Six Month Guy,” Jeffery wrote about his journey with “courageous, intimate and emotional transparency, and is open about the importance of his faith,” said a news release from the ALS Society of Canada.
“He described how ALS has affected his family and friends, and about the physical and emotional challenges of the disease. He shares the practical solutions he and his family discovered in the hope of helping others.”
Robby said that his father had shared some of the correspondence he had received from others appreciating his work, and that made him proud.
On April 17, a funeral will livestreamed from Sevenoaks Alliance Church for everyone outside of Jeffery’s immediate family to attend.
“As a family member, and somebody who was involved with caregiving for my father, when it comes to diagnoses like these, they are terrible, they are life changing, they are difficult for us to all come to terms with,” Robby said. “But I think there’s a great opportunity within such diagnoses for family to grow together, and to grow stronger.
“Make the most of our situations and to appreciate them for what they are.”
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