Our Champions
KEEP ON BUZZIN
“Buzzin” is a term often used in hockey slang. It describes a team playing with
energy, pace, intensity, and unity—firing on all cylinders. The phrase “Keep On
Buzzin” has evolved into a powerful mantra for those facing tough life challenges.
It’s a call to stay energized and motivated, to maintain a positive mindset, and to
keep embracing life with joy, love, and gratitude—even in the darkest of times.
Figuratively, it’s a reminder to keep pushing forward, to keep fighting, and to
never underestimate the power of the human spirit.
Hi, my name is Louis Del Re. Everyone calls me Lou. I am 33 years old. This is
my story. I grew up in Pickering, Ontario, Canada — a town just east of Toronto. I was
raised by two incredible, loving parents alongside my two younger brothers. My
childhood revolved around sports, I played anything I could get my hands on, but
hockey was my sport. As I grew older, hockey became my main focus.
I was a late bloomer, which meant I had to work harder than most to compete at a
high level. Being smaller was often viewed as a disadvantage, but it forced me to
refine other parts of my game — speed, agility, “hockey IQ,” playmaking, and the
intangible qualities that truly matter: work ethic, dedication, leadership, and a
never-give-up mentality. The greatest gift hockey gave me, however, was the
lifelong friendships built along the way.
In 2010, I began my studies at the University of Ottawa. While I wasn’t able to
pursue hockey competitively, my identity as an athlete never left me. I played
intramural hockey (which turned out to be quite competitive) and rediscovered
enjoyment for other sports — volleyball, flag football, and ultimate frisbee. Even at
a recreational level, the thrill of competition, physical exertion, winning, hating to
lose, and camaraderie with my teammates was addicting. I couldn’t get enough.
In 2017, I began my career as a paramedic and later also became a clinical
educator. That same summer, I met my future wife, Emily, at a house party hosted
by her cousin — who also happened to be my best friend. Her beauty caught my
attention immediately. Despite my friends insisting she was out of my league,
something inside told me I had to take the chance. So I built up some liquid
courage and took my shot. Our connection felt natural and effortless. I knew therewas something special.
We started dating later that summer and went on countless adventures together,
traveling to more places than I can count. Her love for nature and ability to
navigate the outdoors always amazed me. In 2020, we purchased our first home,
and in 2021, we welcomed our puppy, Auston, into our family. Life felt full.
Purposeful. Complete. It was at an all-time high.
Then, in late 2022, everything changed.
I began noticing subtle changes in my voice. I no longer felt like myself in the gym
or on the ice. Soon came muscle fasciculations and visible weakness in my arms
and hands. Deep down, I feared what it might be. And in June 2023, at just 30
years old, Emily and I received the diagnosis: ALS.
Facing your mortality at 30 is incomprehensible. It took me to some of the darkest
places I’ve ever known and forced me into a level of deep self-reflection I never
imagined. Like Augie Nieto, I took immense pride in my athleticism and physical
shape. When ALS began stripping those away, I faced a profound identity crisis.
Sports had shaped who I was — so I had to ask myself: Who am I now?
I often think Augie must have faced — and overcome — that same battle. And
through my own journey, I’m learning what he discovered: being an athlete isn’t
just about physical ability. It’s a mindset. It lives in your heart and soul, and
nothing — not even ALS — can take that away.
My shift in perspective didn’t happen at one particular moment. It came gradually
over time, through people, experiences, and moments that helped reshape my
outlook. One of those people was Mark Kirton (“Kirts”). He welcomed me into his
circle and into the fight against ALS through ALS Action Canada and the ALS
Super Fund. He helped me rediscover purpose. I began to see the opportunity in
front of me: to inspire others, to lead with vulnerability and humour, and to bring
awareness to this disease while living a deeply meaningful life.
When a couple says “I do” to “in sickness and in health”, most would assume the
sickness is in the far distant future. On October 4th, 2024, Emily said “I do” to that
now. She made the ultimate sacrifice for our love. Teaching me the true meaning
of devotion, love and marriage. Not a day goes by where I forget this. Sharing our
story has taken us on the most unexpected and beautiful journey — connecting us with incredible people, experiences, and organizations across North America.
Today, I proudly serve as a board member of ALS Action Canada, collaborating
with others who share the same spirit of collaboration and mission: to end ALS.
Our partnership with ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI),
expanding the Ales for ALS initiative to Canada, led to me receiving the 2025
Inaugural Augie Nieto Legacy Award — an honour beyond words and a
meaningful connection to a man and organization who paved the path before me.
ALS has brought tremendous pain, loss, grief, and uncertainty — not just to me,
but to everyone who loves me. But I do my best to focus on the positives. I search
for moments of gratitude. I share what I learn along the way. And I remain
grounded in the mantra that guides me forward: Keep On Buzzin.
Because even in the face of ALS, life is still worth celebrating. Still worth fighting
for. Still worth living fully.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
With gratitude,
Lou
——————
Instagram:
@biglou92_
@alsactioncanada
@alssuperfund
