{
  "id": 13074093,
  "title": "Montreal couple takes on marathon together following ALS diagnosis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/montreal-couple-takes-on-marathon-together-following-als-diagnosis",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-09T09:00:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12093722/montreal-couple-als-marathon/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Montreal couple is gearing up to complete the Montreal Marathon together this weekend, following an ALS diagnosis that has profoundly altered their lives. Spencer Levine, the primary runner, will be pushing his wife Amanda Tam in a specially adapted wheelchair as they tackle the 42.2-kilometre course. The couple, high school sweethearts who married in 2024, decided to take on the challenge after witnessing other individuals with disabilities participating in adapted sports events. Tam, diagnosed with ALS at the age of 20, has shown remarkable resilience despite the neurodegenerative disease leaving her largely dependent on her husband, who is also her primary caregiver. The Quebec ALS Society has commended the couple for their courage and advocacy, noting their role as \"incredible ambassadors\" in raising awareness about ALS. Claudine Cook, the executive director of the Quebec ALS Society, emphasized the significance of having a care partner like Spencer supporting Tam throughout her journey. The couple's determination to share their experiences is evident in their fundraising efforts for ALS Quebec. Tam highlighted how training for the marathon has brought them closer together, allowing them more time together amidst their demanding training regimen. However, the pair also expressed concerns about accessibility, particularly at the Berri-UQAM Metro station, which is not fully accessible. They hope to encourage Montreal to improve accessibility, especially for wheelchair users, by participating in the marathon. With an expected crowd of 20,000 spectators at the starting line, the couple aims to draw attention to accessibility issues while continuing to live life to the fullest despite their challenges.",
  "summary": "Years after an ALS diagnosis changed their lives, a Montreal couple is taking on the Montreal Marathon together.",
  "key_points": [
    "Montreal couple Spencer and Amanda Tam will run Montreal Marathon together after ALS diagnosis.",
    "Spencer pushes Amanda in wheelchair as they prepare for 42.2-kilometre course.",
    "ALS Society praises couple's courage as advocates for accessibility improvements."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Global News",
        "title": "Montreal couple takes on marathon together following ALS diagnosis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/montreal-couple-takes-on-marathon-together-following-als-diagnosis-13076493",
        "published": "2026-10-09T09:00:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}