Two B.C. athletes will take part in 18 triathlons all across Canada as part of a fundraising journey for ALS research.

Donna Bartel, 60, and Mike Pearson, 64, will start this weekend in Nanaimo on their four-month effort to race 450 kilometres of triathlons to try to raise $600,000 for the ALS Society of B.C. and the society's Project Hope research at the University of British Columbia.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, formerly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal neurological disease that attacks brain and spinal cells, leading to paralysis and the inability to breathe. The remaining life expectancy for those diagnosed is typically between two to five years.

According to the ALS Society of B.C., approximately 390 people in B.C. live with the disease at any given time.

Bartel and Pearson became involved with the society following Bartel's late mother being diagnosed in 1999. Over the years, the couple have participated in various runs to raise funds Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ but never an undertaking of this magnitude. 

"We actually met at a triathlon club," Bartel said. "So with a small group of volunteers we put on the 'run, walk and roll for ALS' and we had that going for eight years in the Vancouver area. We raised about $750,000."

While travelling, the two will be living in an RV, decorated with a map of their route and their mission: "Tri'ing to end ALS." Bartel, who originally planned to wait for retirement before launching the journey, will be taking a five-month leave from work.

Ian Hayward, ALS Society of B.C. president, spoke alongside them at a press conference in Nanaimo on Thursday, May 8.

"Hope shines and it shines through the determination of people like the indomitable Donna Bartel and Mike Pearson," Hayward said. "These two extraordinary individuals, members of our community, are taking action in the most inspiring manner."

On Sunday, May 11, Bartel and Pearson began their journey in Nanaimo at Westwood Lake Park with the Westwood Lake Triathlon.

Nanaimo's Bastion was lit purple from Wednesday, May 7, to Sunday, May 11, in honour of the endeavour, with Mayor Leonard Krog officially proclaiming that May 11 is 'Tri'ing to End ALS Cross Canada Triathlon Day' in the city.

Bartel said she felt strong support in Nanaimo.

"We know there is a lot of people on the Island impacted by ALS so I think just here alone is a good way to start, we've had a lot of really good support," Bartel said.

At the press conference, Krog shared that earlier in the week someone he knew had been diagnosed with the disease.

"This isn't a strange and unusual thing, it is very sadly a very real challenge for many people," the mayor said. "I just think that if I'm proud to be mayor of the city of Nanaimo, one of the things I'm proudest of is there are good people everywhere that are prepared to give their time, their money, energy, whatever it takes to do good for humanity and to do good for others."

More information can be found online through, including their race schedule and how to donate.