On October 11, 2026, Amanda Tam, a 25-year-old living with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and her husband, Spencer Levine, are taking on a major challenge together: completing the 42.2 km Marathon Beneva de Montréal. With the help of a specially adapted racing wheelchair, they are able to experience the journey side by side through the streets of Montreal.
Beyond the athletic challenge, their participation has a deeply meaningful purpose: to raise funds to support families touched by ALS in Quebec, advance research and raise awareness about the disease.
A challenge they are preparing for together
The idea of taking part in a marathon began to take shape when Amanda and Spencer saw a duo, an athlete and a person with a physical disability, complete an IRONMAN together. Spencer already has several marathons under his belt and is no stranger to athletic challenges, but this time, the idea was different. They would turn his passion for sport into an experience they could share together.
Completing the Marathon Beneva de Montréal in an adaptive wheelchair: A journey months in the making
Since then, the idea has become a reality. As they train, the couple is learning how to tackle long distances, test their equipment and work through the many details involved in completing the challenge safely. Amanda and Spencer have always enjoyed taking on challenges, and they are not taking this one lightly. Behind the adventure and the excitement of sharing a new experience together lies a great deal of preparation, adaptation and support.
This preparation reflects an approach to life that Amanda and Spencer have embraced for several years: finding ways to make experiences possible that, at first glance, may seem out of reach when living with ALS. Each new experience becomes an opportunity to push beyond certain limits, but more importantly, to create memories together.
Showing another side of ALS
Diagnosed in 2021, Amanda has been using social media for several years to share what it is like to live with ALS. At just 25 years old, she is helping bring visibility to an experience of the disease that is still rarely represented.
With honesty and a dose of humour, she shares everything from the progression of the disease to accessibility barriers and the very real challenges of everyday life. Today, tens of thousands of people follow her across her social media platforms.
Support their challenge
On October 11, 2026, Amanda and Spencer will add a new chapter to their story. Kilometre after kilometre, they will make their way through the marathon the same way they have prepared for this challenge: together, with determination and a desire to show that even when ALS brings new limitations, it is still possible to go further.