In 2006, Heather Snell of Ayr, Ontario was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). A disease with a life expectancy of 1 - 5 years from time of diagnosis, it initially robbed Heather, a singer and musician, of her voice. With no known cause or cure, Heather knew it would not be long before she would begin to lose use of her hands, arms and legs. With a 'live life to the fullest attitude' and an incredible sense of humour, Heather rallied an army of family and friends to hold a fundraising called 'Heather's Hootenanny for Hope'. Being a musical force in her community and beyond, Heather wanted this to be a family musical event, and decided the venue should be a barn in the country! But a simple goal of raising some research dollars and awareness of the disease turned into a community event which was like something no one had ever experienced. .

Heather is raising money to support Dr. Michael Strong's Research at the London Health Sciences Centre.