Susan Gawler, Belgrade, Maine
Sue Gawler and Roy Bouchard
American anthropologist Margaret Mead once quipped, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world.” Those who associate with Susan Gawler and her husband Roy Bouchard would count the couple in this cadre of considerate individuals who look beyond their own needs to assist others fighting ALS. In spite of her year-and-a-half battle with this deadly neurodegenerative disease, Gawler and her spouse work closely with The ALS Association’s Northern New England Chapter to spread ALS awareness and raise funds for research to eradicate the disease.
The chapter is honoring Gawler and Bouchard this May during ALS Awareness Month for the annual “ALS Across America” campaign.
“Susan inspires us by her great attitude and strong determination,” said the chapter’s Care Coordinator in Maine, Nell Davies, R.N, M.P.H. “She and Roy impress us with their willingness to reach out to others and their desire to bring awareness to this horrible disease.” At this time, Gawler uses a wheelchair for mobility and an iPad for communicating.
Gawler and Bouchard work closely with the chapter by attending its monthly patient support group in Augusta where they interact with other families living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Gawler, a botanist by trade who worked at NatureServe, and Bouchard, who retired from the state’s Department of Environmental Protection to serve as his wife’s caregiver, also support the chapter’s annual Walk to Defeat ALSŪ. For the September 2011 Walk in Portland, Maine, the couple and their Walk team “The Sueboo Crew” raised more than $33,000, a fundraising feat by any standard.
The couple plans to attend this year’s National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference in our nation’s capital.
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