A Son’s Tribute to his late mother, Margie Lambton

The Lambton family, through their son, Chris, has agreed to generously donate part of the proceeds of the sale of the T-shirts featured on a TV show, to Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS). This kind donation is made in Margie Lambton’s memory, beloved mother and wife, who passed away in 2008. CCALS helped the Lambtons cope with Margie’s illness providing durable goods and equipment as well as emotional and spiritual counsel and care.

To her son, Chris and clearly, to so many others, Margie Lambton was the most amazing individual. “She was loved by everyone and other people loved to be around her” is how her son, Chris, the eldest of three brothers describes his late mom.  It’s been almost two years since she passed away from Multi System Atrophy (MSA), a motor neuron disease whose symptoms are similar to ALS, but her memory is still cherished by those she touched the most. On what would have been her 59th birthday this year, May 27, friends and family held a celebration in her honor, sharing stories and drinking margaritas on the porch; something Margie would have approved of and, before the onset of the disease, would have been more than happy to partake in.

CCALS became involved with the Lambton family in the fall of 2005, even before Margie was definitively diagnosed with MSA, but exhibiting symptoms of a motor neuron disease. For Margie, these symptoms started with her constantly tripping.  Ron Hoffman, the founder and Executive Director of CCALS, visited the family providing practical as well as spiritual counsel throughout this uncertain period, after the diagnosis and well into the late stages of this fatal disease. Like ALS, MSA robs you of your physical abilities while your mind remains alert. She described her ailing body as a “jail cell”. One can only imagine how frustrating this would be for a woman who spent her professional life as a registered holistic nurse helping others cope with illness.

Over the years, and as her disease progressed, CCALS gave the family equipment which made a great impact on Margie’s day-to-day life, including a wheelchair, a bathroom chair and ramps to help her remain mobile and at least temporarily, escape her jail cell. Through many hours of conversations, Ron formed a strong bond with every member of the Lambton family as he provided them with guidance, emotional support and friendship. Even now, Chris Lambton, describes Ron as “one of the family”. When a family member is struck with such a devastating disease, it affects each person profoundly.  What is most touching about Margie Lambton’s story is her son’s unquestioned devotion to his mom.

In early 2007, Chris left his life in New York including a position in a highly competitive graduate program for aspiring school principals to join his brothers, Erik and Mark and his father, Ed care for his mom full time. For him, it was clear then as it is now, that this was the right thing to do. He was almost 29 at the time and just beginning to flourish in his chosen career. Not many people would have made such a selfless choice and dedicate the next year and a half to the care of a loved one. With this depth of character, it’s not surprising that Chris was chosen as one of the contestants on a popular TV show. Without a doubt, Margie Lambton was truly an amazing individual. She raised three great sons; Chris, Erik, and Mark all chose to show their unconditional love by putting their lives on hold so that they could be there for her during the final years of her life.

Buy E. Lambton t-shirts recently worn by Chris Lambton
on television. Proceeds to benefit CCALS.

Click here to support Chris Lambton
at the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race

Follow Chris Lambton on Facebook