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Award continues Kevin’s legacy of helping young people affected by ALS pursue their educational and career aspirations

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TORONTO, Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada), together with the family and friends of Kevin Daly through the Kevin Daly Bursary Fund, is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the ALS Canada Kevin Daly Bursary. Five post-secondary students personally impacted by ALS will each receive a $2,500 bursary to support their studies during the 2026-2027 academic year.

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Established in 2023, the Bursary honours Kevin Daly, a loving father and husband who was deeply committed to supporting young people affected by ALS. Following Kevin’s passing in 2024 from ALS, his legacy continues through the ongoing dedication of his wife, Elena; daughters, Erica and Allison; and a trusted circle of family and friends who remain committed to helping students pursue their educational aspirations.

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“Kevin’s compassion, generosity, and commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on the ALS community, and ALS Canada is honoured to work alongside his family, friends, and supporters in continuing to carry his memory forward,” said Chris Pon, Vice-President of Fund Development at ALS Canada. “Not only does this Bursary relieve some of the financial pressure of post-secondary education, but it also recognizes students whose experiences with ALS have inspired them to make meaningful contributions toward a world free of ALS.”

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This year’s recipients have demonstrated exceptional resilience, leadership, and a commitment to giving back to the ALS community through advocacy, fundraising, volunteerism, caregiving, and awareness-building. While pursuing a wide range of educational and career aspirations, each recipient is making a meaningful difference in the lives of people and families affected by ALS.

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“Our family is so grateful to everyone for the overwhelming support of this bursary. As a family who has experienced ALS firsthand, we appreciate the recipients’ courage and openness in sharing their own experiences,” said Elena Daly. “To be able to pass along some kindness in honour of Kevin’s life and legacy brings us all a lot of joy.”

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ALS is a relentless disease that progressively paralyzes individuals by disrupting communication between the brain and the muscles. As a result, people with ALS often face a swift decline in the ability to talk, walk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe. ALS affects nearly 4,000 Canadians today. There is currently no cure and few treatments for the disease.

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2026 recipients:

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Anika Brants, 20, is entering her third year at McMaster University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering and Management. A former professional cyclist who competed internationally with Team Canada, she continues to channel her love of cycling into the ALS Canada Revolution Ride, supporting ALS awareness and research in honour of her mother, Tracy, who is living with ALS. Inspired by a passion for innovation and problem-solving, Anika hopes to apply her skills to develop solutions that improve quality of life for others. She is also actively involved with McMaster’s ALS Club and plans to take on an executive role this year.