THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE!

WOW!

I am in awe ~ what an AMAZING amount handed over to us tonight from the Benefit/Trust ~ $40,000+!!! (see pics below) Where do we begin to thank everyone who helped out with the benefit and made donations??!! As someone said, "There's no place like home" and I can't think of a better place to make home than DUNDAS. We are so VERY touched by it all!!

Although I only found out the total tonight I would like everyone to know that Hayley went up to the hospital to visit Brian the week before he passed away and gave him the good news!! I know it put a BIG happy smile on his face :) He was truly overwhelmed by all the support shown to our family!

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE ~
Love,
LuAnne, Blake & Bryce

*Note from Lynn ~ Many of you are still asking if you can donate but since the Trust Fund was set up as a temporary fund it is now closed. However, if you would like to still send a donation you may send checks directly to LuAnne. Please email her or myself for her mailing address or post a request here with your email address for us to send it to you.

Final Days and Funeral Details from LuAnne

Hello everyone ~

From myself, Blake & Bryce we would like to say how touched we are by all the love and support surrounding us ~ thank you all for the kind words you have sent our way. It's all helping to ease the pain of our VERY sad loss :)

I just thought I would fill in the last days of Brian's journey for you all & let you know that he went peacefully ~ I still find it so hard to believe it was that short :(

Towards the end of last week the Doctors had decided that Brian's infection was under control and that he was ready to fulfill his wishes of coming off the ventilator. Because he had just had the "peg tube" inserted on the Thursday they thought they would wait till after the weekend to remove the ventilator. Although he had some discomfort from the feeding tube he was happy to have had it inserted (I'm sure he gained a few lbs) ~ we told him to think of steak and potatoes as the bag of "shake" flowed into him from the bag hanging near by.

Towards the end of last week Brian was becoming very good at communicating through his "word board" - Or was it we were getting better at figuring out what it was he was trying to tell us? :) None-the-less we had a few great days where he was clear of all sedations and he was the Dad/hubby/friend we all knew & we enjoyed our time together.

Bryce had a play-off game in Listowel last Sat. so he and I headed off to the game. That evening we returned to the hospital with another "game winning puck" ~ Bryce got a smile and a thumbs up from Dad :)

On Sunday Blake was invited by friends to go skiing for the day ~ when he arrived home the boys and I headed up to the hospital for about an hour visit......who would have known this would be their last visit with their Dad :( (ok sorry, I had to get a kleenex myself ~ my eyes are beginning to feel like they have sandpaper in them)

We had been told the ventilator would probably come out on Monday, so I arrived earlier that morning as I knew Brian would be very anxious. When I arrived he said, I'm ready to get going with the whole process. We waited for his Mom & brother to arrive & then the RT's extubated him to the Bipap ~ (sister Jen arrived shortly after that). We all took turns sitting with him throughout the day. He told us to be sure and watch his breathing should he fall asleep ~ although everyone did their best to assure him he would be fine he was so scared he would stop breathing he chose to stay awake most of the time :(

He didn't want me to leave, so I spent the night with him on Monday. Blake had a play-off hockey game that night so I called after the game to find out the result. Dad gave a thumbs up to hear that Blake had another "game winning puck" for him!!!

As the night went on I could tell Brian was struggling, I did my best to keep him comforted. Around 2:30 in the morning he was beginning to fail ~ the nurses asked if I wanted to have someone come to be with me I knew what they were trying to say :( Although so many had said, "anytime for anything" you struggle to call people at 2:30 am. I called my dear friend Leslie and she came to sit with me in the wee hours. Thanks Les (and for checking in with me daily just to make sure we were all ok!!).

Brian and I had had a conversation earlier in the evening and he expressed he'd had enough & had given it his best go ~ this is no way to live he said, who could blame him! He was still fighting but knowing those wishes the nurses began to ease his fear & suffering by giving him some meds......if only he could relax they thought it might help his breathing. He went for hours and around 5am I sent a message to brother David on what was happening. David and his Mom were at the hospital to be with me around 6am.......Brian was still hanging in there at that time. He had such loving care from his nurses who kept him comfortable along the way. His Mom, brother & I knew the end was near and never left his side. He knew we were there & I know that helped to ease his fears.

His journey ended as he peacefully slipped away in his sleep about 10:45am :(

During Brian's twelve day hospital stay he was blessed by many visitors ~ thank you to all who were able to take the time to come say hello!! I, too, was blessed with tons of support during my many hours spent in the ICU ~ we managed to fill the waiting room more than once! A special thanks to my great friend Judy who arrived from Michigan on the Sunday for the Benefit & is still here with the boys & I today ~ she is heading home tomorrow for a few days & will return with her hubby Hal for the funeral.

Here is the Obit that will be placed in the papers on Sat:

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Andrew Bottrill on Tuesday, February 24th at McMaster University Medical Center after a 5 month battle with ALS. Brian was in his 53rd year. He will be fondly remembered and missed by his loving wife LuAnne, sons Blake and Bryce, Mother and Step-Father Pam Daniels (nee Morris) and Dave Daniels, Siblings Jennifer Bottrill, David and Tanya Bottrill, Brothers and Sister in-Laws David and Lynn Niedenthal, Craig Niedenthal and Tracy Hansen, Mother in-Law Lucy Niedenthal, nieces and nephews Eric and Cole McKinnon, Krista and Heather Niedenthal, Matthew Hansen and Ryan Niedenthal, Loulou Bonhomme, cousins Bert, Nan, Erin and Grant Spencer, Debbie Parmenter, Patty Barnes, Sandy Cuthbert and Uncle and Aunt Bob and Sue Parmenter. Brian was predeceased by his father Brian Eric Bottrill in 1981, in 2007 by his sister, Joan Weatherhead (nee Bottrill) and in 1997 by his father in-law Charles William Niedenthal.

He will also be missed by many friends and extended family at his summer cottage in Oliphant ON, Lodge members at the International Order of Odd Fellows, Valley City Lodge 117 in Dundas, and business colleagues and clients in Brantford ON where he owned and operated Jamieson's L.H.M. Ltd.

Brian was a loving father and strong participant in the Dundas community, giving his time and coaching support in the Dundas Minor Hockey Association where both his son's played.

We wish to thank all the many friends and family who donated their endless support during Brian's illness and to acknowledge the wonderful community of Dundas, all his friends at the IOOF Valley City Lodge 117, and the Dundas Minor Hockey Association.

We also wish to thank the Doctors, RT's, Social Workers and Staff at McMaster University Medical Center ICU for all their care and compassion.

Visitation will be held at Cattell, Eaton and Chambers Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas, Monday March 2nd 2-4 & 7-9 A memorial service will be held at St. James Anglican Church, 137 Melville St, Dundas Tuesday March 3rd @ 11am

Sad news from LuAnne

It is with GREAT sadness that I must tell you that Brian's journey ended this morning :(

Thank you and update from LuAnne

Hello everyone ~

Let me just start way back at Sunday evening.....

WOW what an event ~ our family is truly blessed to have this kind of support, we are deeply touched by all the love that is surrounding us :) How do we EVER begin to thank everyone for all their efforts in making the evening what it was?!!! We THANK & appreciate all who were involved and all who attended from near and far in person and in spirit!!

Speaking of attending in spirit ~ yesterday Hayley Shaw (Darren too) came up to see Brian in the hospital. I was out in the waiting room when Hayley came back from seeing Brian and she was crying :( "The tears are all his fault", she said. I guess through tears Brian had apologized to Hayley for not being able to attend on Sunday.......yes this is the great man I married even with all he is going through he is still thinking of others! Brian had expressed to me, when we were in Emergency on Saturday, how upset he was that he knew he wasn't going to be able to go on Sunday.......we had been working towards that evening for so long!

Monday was a quiet day after the intubation tube was put in during the middle of the night......I sat with him for a good part of the day. He knew we were around ~ he would try to open his eyes & he could squeeze my hand.

Tuesday morning the boys and I headed up first thing in the morning. Brian was much more alert and was happy to see his guys ;) He wanted to communicate with us and was becoming frustrated when he couldn't.......its sad knowing he wants to say something to us and can't.
Tuesday afternoon after I left the ALS technology people came down to see Brian. They brought him a "letter board" - its a laminated paper with the alphabet & words on it.

The boys and I went up again on Wed. after school. Brian knew Bryce had a hockey game on Tuesday night. Since the play-offs have started if the team wins, Brian is awarded the game winning puck!! Bryce brought his Dad another puck from Tuesday night's Victory......Brian gave him a "thumbs up"

Now that Brian has the "letter board" we are able to communicate through spelling and making sentences!! Bryce said, this is just like playing charades!! At one point Brian was trying to tell us something ~ he spelled out F A C E I T......face what?? Bryce finally figured out he wanted to face the TV......of course!!!!

Thursday morning Brian had a Peg Tube (feeding tube) inserted in his stomach. It was something that he was planning on having done even before this hospital visit came about. I was relieved it was being done while under their care rather than the out patient surgery it was going to be :) When I arrived later in the day, even after the surgery Brian was alert enough to ask me how Blake did in his first play-off game on Wed night. When I said, "they lost", Brian shed a tear for Blake :( He loves watching his boys play hockey and always wishes they do well.

Although no cultures have come back positive for pneumonia he does/did have some kind of infection ~ they are continuing to treat him with antibiotics. They are working each day at weaning him off of the ventilator to the point where they can remove it completely and put him back on the Bipap machine to see how he is going to do with his breathing on that. He has been a trooper!! He understands why the tube is in his throat and isn't fighting it......

We meet with the Doctors daily to get an update & the plan for what's next........I shall "type" again soon......

xoxo
LuAnne, Brian , Blake & Bryce

Some photos from the Benefit

Benefit & Brian

Hi all,

I know those of you who were not able to be at the benefit last night are hoping for a report so I thought I would write a quick note now and post some photos later.

I think everyone would agree it was overwhelming to see the hundreds of people there. Those who organized the event did an outstanding job of every detail from organization, tickets, games, decorating, food, music, prizes, etc. It was such a comfort to see the support surrounding Brian's family.

We had hoped to have live internet connection between the event and Brian's room in the ICU but something wouldn't work on the hospital end of the connection so it wasn't mean to be. Photos and video were taken to show Brian.

I know if Lu had time she would write you all a huge thank you - this has blessed her family beyond words!

The latest I know about Brian is that last night (actually early this AM) the hospital called Lu to tell her they were putting an Intubation tube in to help him breathe better. He has requested this only be in until the Pneumonia clears up because he can't go home with it in. Dave and I plan to head to the hospital this afternoon and I will share all your love with Brian.

Lynn

Update on Brian

Hi all,

I thought I should let you know that Brian has been in the hospital (McMaster) since 3:00am. He had breathing difficulty yesterday that just wasn't getting better so Lu called for an ambulance to come get him. He is being treated for dehydration and some Pneumonia. He is still in Emergency waiting for a bed to open up. No idea yet how long he will be in but we are all relieved he is getting expert care. He is very disappointed that he will miss attending tomorrow night's benefit : (

Lu will probably write more later when we have more to share. She is currently trying to get some sleep and I am glad to be able to be here at the house to help as needed. A neighbor came over during the night and Brian's mom, Pam was here this AM. Brian's brother, David, is at the hospital with Brian right now. My Dave is on chauffer duty today getting Blake to hockey games and hair cut and Bryce to hockey practice. I think all bases are covered : )

More later ...
Lynn (Lu's sister-in-law)

Rep team pitches with bottle drive to help family - Youngsters encourage others to assist Bottrills

Dundas Star News - Feb 13, 2009

The Investors Group Dundas Blues Novice Rep team has been collecting empty bottles in their neighbourhoods in exchange for money to help a local family who needs community support. A week before Christmas, the Bottrill family’s happy world was turned upside down when dad Brian was diagnosed with a rapidly progressing form of ALS.

The Dundas Beer store has set up a collection jar for donations from empties. The team is also encouraging families and neighbours to collect their empties.

However, if anyone can’t make it to the beer store, team members, coaches and parents will gladly pick up their empties. Contact Chris at 298-237-2926 or chris.garofalo.@investorsgroup.com .

The collection will take place Feb. 13-15 so the team can present a cheque at the Bottrill Family Fundraiser Dance on Sunday, Feb. 15 at the Dundas Legion.

Ramp Thanks!

Back on the 8th of Jan when I received the 8am call that wood was being delivered for a ramp to be built I thought, “ok doesn't hurt to be prepared I guess” ..... We weren't in need of a ramp yet, Brian was still heading out of the house with his walker at that point, but getting up the two front steps was beginning to become a problem :/
I guess I had mentioned that to friends one too many times ~ once again they were right there for us. Now just a month later I don't know what we'd be doing if it wasn't for the ramp.

We'd like to give a HUGE thanks to Ralph and Al for a SUPER looking ramp!! (I wasn't sure how it was going to get more use, from Brian or the boys starting at the top on their sleds & heading on down the driveway?)

I'm quite sure Ralph & Al picked the 3 coldest days of winter to work outside. (I did serve them hot chocolate) Brian said, “tell those guys to come back another day its too cold out there”. I remember them saying that Brian was their motivation for "gettin er done" they would have no part of stopping progress.

You're awesome guys - thanks again for taking care of Brian :)
LuAnne

Hockey Games

Bryce started his OMHA play-offs this week. Unfortunately, all his games were 40 mins away in Beamsville :(

I took Bryce on Monday night to check out the arena and see the accessibility for Brian. They had a good game & came back from a 1 - 3 deficit to end in a 3 -3 tie. Although the arena was very accessible for Brian he wasn't up to making Wednesdays game, so I took Blake along with me and he taped the whole game for Brian to watch on his new HD TV!! Much like Mondays game they tied 5 - 5

Friday night we sent Bryce with team mates as we were busy attending the benefit @ the IOOF Hall. Maybe I was the bad luck charm......they won Fridays game 9 - 2!! In the 4 team round robin they ended up in 1st giving them a bye to Sundays final!! Thanks to good friends Al & Leslie lending us their portable power pack, I loaded Brian and his Bipap machine in the van and headed to Beamsville for the Finals tonight against St. Catherine's. (thanks guys for the help in getting him into and out of the van :)

The game was a real nail biter ....with only 26 secs left it was 2 - 1.....(please no ties tonight guys!) St Catherine's pulled their goalie and we scored 2 empty netters!! .......Brian was the good luck charm tonight......Brian was called into the dressing room and was awarded the game winning puck in a 4 - 1 VICTORY!! (Bryce got the winning goal :) On to the next round of OMHA's.......Congrats Alpha Blues!!

Brian hopes to get out to Blake's game tomorrow night right here in good ole Dundas!

From Brian

I slept in this morning for the first time in a long time and it’s all the fault of my brothers at Valley City Lodge 117 IOOF. You guys are the best. You organized such an awesome evening of music and fraternity. I didn’t ever want to leave. It was great to see lots of friends that I haven’t seen in a long time. A big thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the musicians who made the evening entertainment the success that it was. I sure wish that I could have been up with my jammin’ buddies at the end, but it was up to Chris B and me to sit back and enjoy the groove. Last night was a true testament to Oddfellowship. The lodge pulled together to relieve my distress and for that I will be eternally grateful.
Yours in FL&T
Brian

Update from LuAnne

I know you are probably wondering how things are going........The ole saying "no news is good news" is the case here ~

Although most days are busy around here between care givers coming and going, phone calls & visitors, I am grateful for the help we are now getting & welcome the visits! :)

I'm beginning to think if we could avoid Mondays we'd be better off ~ This is the 2nd Monday now that has NOT been a good day for B. He didn't sleep well ~ (I know I was awake more than I slept) :(

He woke up in the morning tired and struggling to get a good breath ~ we changed the settings on his Bipap machine & he was finally able to get some relief.....his cold does not help matters :(
He spent the day resting & enjoying his new TV (wow was the SuperBowl ever SUPER in HD!!)
He also enjoyed a visit from Rev Ted and the Whelan's (cottage friends)

Tuesday was a quiet day around here I even got in a nap :) Later in the evening the O.T. stopped by to set up the new "Roho pads" (Google it) for Brian's chair and bed. You all know that Brian never had to much "meat" on him to begin with and he's unfortunately much thinner now.......you should have seen the smile when he sat on this pad.....ah that's much better he said!!

Brian is always just a touch away in the house via his new "indoor doorbell"......he has a button by his side and we plug in the other end where ever we happen to be ~ I can be up here on my computer or downstairs doing laundry & he can let me know he needs something......its a great thing! Well, other than when it rings too often.... :)

That's it for now we'll be in touch soon ~
Love,
LuAnne, Brian, Blake & Bryce

Thank you from Brian

I have been holding off from putting anything on this site as I have been overwhelmed by all of the help, support and generosity of the many people in our lives. You all have touched Lu and I deeply and I would never have thought that I had so many caring friends. Last week when Dan and Dave came down from Oliphant, I was so happy to see them as I was not sure that I would ever make it up north again. Yesterday, Teddy Kelaidas showed up at the door. It seems that Dan had organized getting us a new LCD HD TV so that I could watch the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500 and anything else that I wanted and Teddy was there to set it up with Blake as a helper. I am once again deeply touched by the actions of my lifelong friends. This disease has left me with very few things that I can do for myself, but as Lu keeps telling everyone, I'm not ever far from the remote. Thank you all, you know who you are, who have so generously contributed to the TV. I will write more soon, but it's 11:30 Saturday night and it's time for bed. God Bless. Brian.

2 Fundraising events in February

There are 2 events coming up to help raise money for the Bottrill Family Trust Fund (at the Royal Bank in Dundas). I am waiting for verification on how to send checks directly to the bank (for those in the USA) and will post that in the future.

Many thanks go out to those involved in organizing and making these events be great. You are all an overwhelming blessing to the family!

1. The VALLEY CITY I.O.O.F.OPEN MIKE NIGHT with all proceeds and donations going to the Bottrill Family Trust Fund
February 6th, 2009, Doors open at 7:30pm
63 Main Street, Dundas Ontario (Across from the old Town Hall)
NO COVER CHARGE! Please be Generous
Just some of the people performing at this event:
Al Cannon Mark Foley Fred and Ruth May Al Flint Project
and many more....
There will be sign-up sheets for those interested in time on-stage.
Event is open to everyone. Our only restriction is capacity, but we'll accommodate as many as possible!
For more information contact Jason at: cinqpointe@hotmail.com

2. Bottrill Family Fundraiser at Dundas Legion Br 36
Sunday, February 15, 2009, 7p - 11p
Tickets have been sold out twice for this event!
If you purchased tickets and cannot attend, PLEASE let us know because there are family and friends in need of tickets to be able to get in.
This event is also posted as an event on Facebook if you want to see additional information there.
Organizers of this event are Kate Redman and Hayley Redman Shaw
People wishing to make a donation by cheque at the event can make them payable to "Hayley Shaw in Trust for the Bottrill Family" or "Kate Redman in Trust for the Bottrill Family" and they will be deposited for you.

I was going to update you all Monday night to tell you about what a nice day we had, but my eyes said, go to bed and do it in the morning ☺ Tuesday turned into a really busy day, so here I am finally Wed. morning with an update on the last few days ~

Monday morning we started with a visit from our OT (Ian) ~ he stopped by to fit Brian for a wheelchair his size. He was also very helpful in showing us ways to transfer B from his favorite brown chair to the wheelchair.. Amazing how much easier it is when you know the technique (my back is thanking him too)

Soon after he left my girlfriend Char who cuts our boys hair arrived ~ I had asked her if she would do a “home cut” for Brian ~ he feels like a new guy ~ thanks Charlene ☺
Next up was a visit from a nurse….she was here to get the low down on Brian…….after pages of questions and answers she was off and we await the next visit (weekly at this point)
Later that afternoon good buddies Dave & Dan from up north surprised Brian with a visit ☺ B has said, many times how great it was to see them!! Thanks for the smiles guys!



After dinner we headed off to Blake’s hockey game…….other than cold toes Brian enjoyed getting out to yet another one of the boy’s games!

It’s now Tuesday morning ~ unfortunately B woke up with the sniffles ~ not a welcome thing when breathing is already an issue. He spent the day watching TV and resting while using his Bipap (breathing machine) on and off.
His sister Jen, Brother David & his friend Peter were all over for a visit today…..thanks for the dinner Jen ☺

It’s now 9:20 Wed morning ~ Brian slept well and in fact is still sleeping…….We have visits this morning from the physio therapist & the PSW (personal support worker)

10:45 ~ a quick update before I send this to Lynn to Post (we haven’t figured out yet how I can “post” myself)
Shirley our PSW worker just left ~ she got Brian all freshened up & into his chair with some breakfast…..on to another day.
The Physio T called to canceled because of the snow…….we’ll see her again on Mon.

Thank you all for your kind words and support ~ Brian (as well as I) enjoy hearing from each and everyone of you!
xoxo
LuAnne, Brian, Blake & Bryce

Help being provided

Many of you are asking what kind of help the family is receiving and although we don't have all the details right now I thought you might like to know what's happening currently. Brian now has a Physical Therapist (PT) that came on Saturday and showed some exercises that can be done to help keep muscles from atrophying. There is also an Occupational Therapist that helps asses what equipment, etc. is needed and on Monday he came to measure B for a wheelchair as the one he is using was donated and not his size. Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) will be providing daily help starting Thursday and we'll post more on that as those details unfold. As more needs are assessed we will keep you posted. Your comments are appreciated very much. Here is one from Brian's mom, Pam Daniels, that she asked me to post for her: "This is Brian's Mom and I have to say to everyone that we have been overwhelmed with all the help we have received so far and all the offers of help to come. So many kind people and we thank you all sincerely."

The journey from last Fall until now ...

In August/September of 2008 Brian began to experience weakness in his back, right hand and cramping in his legs along with constant twitching (called fasciculations). Hard now to believe he was playing Volleyball Labor Day weekend! In October, after an EMG test ruled out a pinch nerve his Doctor ordered him to see a
specialist and tests were begun to try and find out what he was
suffering from and rule out some possibilities. Through November and
December MRIs, CAT Scans, Spinal Tap and Blood Work were all done and
muscular disorders like MS were ruled out as well as viral causes like
Lyme Disease or West Nile and neurological disorders (Motor Neuron
Diseases) were strongly (and sadly) more suspected. As of January 23,
2008, the fear of ALS was confirmed and is now being treated as
aggressively as possible. It is somewhat comforting to know that his
Doctor (Dr. Turnbull of Mac Master University Hospital, Hamilton, ON)
is considered top in this field and the team working with him is well
organized in helping families through this illness.

During the past months, Brian has continued to lose more of his motor
skills and is now using a wheelchair. Much gratitude goes out to the
special friends who built a wheelchair ramp from the front door to the
driveway! The addition of a hospital bed and turning the dining room
into a bedroom has allowed for easier sleeping and eliminating the
need to navigate stairs. A breathing machine has also been a helpful
addition to make each day a little easier as well as a suctioning machine (just like at the dentist) to help clear things so he doesn't have to swallow as much.

The offers of help are overwhelming and we hope to be able to post
needs so that those who want to can find ways to best match their time
and talents with their desire to help. Words cannot even express how
it feels to know that tickets have been sold out twice and many
donations have come in for the Bottrill Family Fundraiser at the
Dundas Legion Hall on Sunday, February 15! In addition, the Royal Bank
has set up a Bottrill Family Trust Fund for ongoing financial
donations. What a testimony to what real community can do when
resources are pooled together to turn a tragedy into an opportunity of
blessing and giving back!

Welcome to our blog - a place for all those who love Brian & his family to be able to get updates on how things are (to save time sending everyone emails!) and for you to be able to post comments for the family to read.