Kelsie Snow is preparing to share a powerful story of love, loss, and resilience, detailing the experience she shared with her late husband, Chris Snow, during his courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The former Calgary Flames executive passed away in 2023, but his wife is determined to honour his memory by continuing their work and advocacy.
A Moment of Perspective in the Face of ALS
Kelsie Snow vividly recalls a poignant moment that came to define their approach to life after the diagnosis. She was in the kitchen, overwhelmed with distress after learning her husband would soon require a feeding tube and likely lose his ability to speak. Meanwhile, Chris was upstairs, reading bedtime stories to their two children, Cohen and Willa.
Suddenly, Chris called out, urging her to look outside. Jolted from her sorrow, Kelsie went upstairs to find him pointing out a beautiful sunset. On a day filled with devastating medical news, he still found and insisted on sharing a moment of pure beauty.
"I thought, if on a day when he found out he’s no longer going to be able to eat, he’s probably soon not going to be able to speak, he can still see the beauty in the sunset... then I can try to follow that lead," Snow said. This lesson in finding hope and appreciating life's small joys is a central part of the message she now carries forward.
A Family's Familiar Battle with a Devastating Disease
The Snow family was tragically familiar with ALS long before Chris's diagnosis in 2019. The progressive motor neuron disease had already taken the lives of his father, two paternal uncles, and a cousin. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately death. The typical life expectancy following a diagnosis is a stark two to five years.
At the time of his diagnosis, Chris Snow was the assistant general manager and vice-president of data and analytics for the Calgary Flames. The couple, who met in their early twenties while working as sports writers for the Boston Globe in Chris's hometown, married in 2007. They built a life together in Calgary after Chris was hired by the Flames, first as director of hockey analysis before his promotion.
Continuing a Legacy of Hope and Advocacy
Since Chris's passing, Kelsie Snow has found profound purpose in upholding the work they started together. "I've learned how important it is to me to continue his legacy and to continue showing up in this space of the ALS community," she stated. Her commitment drives her to share their story publicly, aiming to spread the same hope and strength that Chris demonstrated throughout his fight.
Kelsie is scheduled to discuss her and Chris's experience with ALS in a talk alongside journalist Christina Frangou. The event will be held at the arts hub cSPACE King Edward, offering a platform to inspire others with their narrative of courage and the importance of cherishing every moment.
