Andrew Dundas (he/him) - S1E1 Guest

A 2024 graduate of the Canadian ALS Learning Institute, Andrew is a kind and generous man with a great sense of humour and an impressive list of ALS advocacy–related accolades since his diagnosis in December 2022. He is the author of My ALS Challenge, an insightful blog that has reached six continents and 37 countries. He was featured in the book Speaking ALS: An Anthology and speaks publicly about his experiences before influential groups, including the Whitby Rotary Sunrise Club and Whitby’s MPP, Lauren Coe. Andrew also leads initiatives to raise awareness about ALS and is now advocating for the construction of accessible housing.

Jodee Karlowsky (she/her) - S1E7 Guest

Jodee Karlowsky is a woman of many talents. She has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Plant Sciences from the University of Manitoba and after 16 years with the Alliance Seed Corporation, she became the company's general manager in February, 2022. Jodee loves baseball, reading, and all animals, especially her Yellow Lab Finley. But the joy of Jodee’s life is her husband, Greg. By the time Greg was diagnosed with ALS in August of 2024, it wasn't a complete shock. By then, the road had already been long. Jodee was filled with a numbness, a quiet, hollow feeling and in her mind was the question, "ok...now what?" Together, Jodee and Greg are figuring out the answers one day at a time. A 2026 graduate of the Canadian ALS Learning Institute, Jodee is working with Greg to complete their bucket list, help the ALS community, and focus on spending time with loved ones.

Lea Storry (she/her) - S1E2 Guest

Lea is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University, a professionally trained journalist with a background in history and political science. As a reporter, she’s worked and lived around the world and across Canada, in places such as The Gambia, South Korea, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories. She currently lives in Alberta and owns a writing business called Our Family Lines. Through the diagnosis of family and friends, Lea has been impacted more than once in her life by ALS, and is a 2024 graduate of the Canadian ALS Learning Institute. 

Paula Trefiak (she/her) - S1E6 Guest

Paula Trefiak is a fierce advocate of ALS research, dedicated to developing national and global strategies to increase access to treatments for PALS the world over. Much of her family on her father’s side has been directly affected by ALS, and it was shortly after her father’s passing in 2006 that Paula began having symptoms. In early 2016, Paula was officially diagnosed with SOD-1 ALS, later participating in the phase 1B clinical trial, Open Label Extension, and Special Access Program for Tofersen/Qalsody - the first gene specific therapy for ALS. Paula has advocated for changes to Canada’s drug approval pathway, contributed to the ALS Canada Gene Hub, and supported proposals leading to Canada’s first ALS genetics counsellor. Today, she serves on ALS Canada’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Council and the International Alliance of ALS/MND’s PALS and CALS committee.

Rick Zwiep (he/him) - S1E3 Guest

Rick Zwiep comes from a successful 30 year background in the telecommunications industry, working in product management and technical sales. A curious man with studious tendencies, a love of books and new technology, and a drive to succeed, Rick has forayed into ALS advocacy to impressive results since his diagnosis in August of 2022. A graduate of the Canadian ALS Learning Institute, Rick proudly promotes ALS Society of Canada fundraising events such as the Revolution Ride and Walk to End ALS. Today, Rick sits on the board of directors for ALS Action Canada - a patient-led organization acting to amplify the voices of those living with ALS and their caregivers. He is also part of the advisory council for the ALS Super Fund, which has raised over $1.8 million for ALS research since 2020. 

Shawn Penno (he/him) - S1E5 Guest

Shawn lives in North Okanagan, British Columbia, where he has worked as a care aide for 25 years, helping others in his community. When he was diagnosed in September 2023 with Limb Onset ALS, Shawn made the conscious decision to continue for as long as possible the work that he loves and that means so much to him and his clients. Since his diagnosis, Shawn became involved with a patient-focused nonprofit organization called Everything ALS, where he volunteers as a pathfinder, providing support and mentorship to others affected by the disease. He has volunteered with ALS Action Canada and the Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry. Since graduating from the Canadian ALS Learning Institute in 2025, he has been very active in government advocacy and fundraising efforts for the ALS community.