Mary Rose Blackduck, a resident of Yellowknife, has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) after seeking specialized medical attention in Alberta. Blackduck incurred significant expenses traveling outside the Northwest Territories to receive care, highlighting potential gaps in territorial healthcare access. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease impacting muscle function, and carries a grim prognosis. Patients diagnosed with ALS typically face a life expectancy of only two to five years. The case underscores the challenges faced by residents of remote areas seeking specialized medical diagnoses and treatments. Blackduck's situation raises questions about the availability of specialist care within the Northwest Territories and the financial burden placed on patients requiring out-of-territory medical services.