June 2026
by Linda Simpson
Since moving to Eastern Washington in 2020, Glacier National Park had been at the top of my bucket list.
My husband, Cliff, and I dreamed of exploring our nation’s national parks in our fifth-wheel trailer after I retired, and we finished building our forever home.
Then life took an unexpected turn. In mid-2023, I developed a hoarse voice that gradually worsened. Soon, I began slurring my words and choking on food. In March 2025, I was diagnosed with bulbar-onset ALS.
Our travel plans were put on hold as we focused on finishing our home, and we weren’t sure if our dream of visiting Glacier National Park would ever become a reality. The physical demand of traveling and managing ALS was becoming increasingly difficult.
Thanks to Team Gleason, that dream came true.
It took a great deal of planning and packing all the equipment and essentials I now need, but everything came together perfectly. The weather was beautiful, and driving the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road was an unforgettable experience.
Standing at Logan Pass on the Continental Divide, surrounded by towering mountains and watching bighorn sheep in their natural habitat, was breathtaking.
Before ALS, hiking was one of my greatest passions. Cliff and I explored trails around the world, including Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, Thailand and Taiwan.
Although I could no longer hike Glacier’s many trails, we discovered two accessible paths that allowed me to experience the park in a different—but equally meaningful—way. I even joked, “Can I outrun a bear in this wheelchair?” Thankfully, the bears stayed hidden, and I did not have to test out how fast 5th gear in the chair really goes!
On Friday, the weather took a turn for the worse, and visiting the park on our final day was not an option. So, we explored Kalispell and found an accessible Northwest Montana History Museum. We always like to visit museums in the areas we visit to learn more about the local history.
For a few precious days, my husband and I weren’t focused on ALS. We were simply immersed in the beauty of nature, clearing our minds and creating memories we will cherish forever while checking off a bucket-list destination.
Thank you, Team Gleason, for making this dream possible and reminding us that while ALS is part of our journey, it doesn’t have to define every moment.
