“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 there was 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
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Instagram:
@biglou92_
@alsactioncanada @alssuperfund
