ALS is a rare and rapidly-progressive fatal neuromuscular disease. It degenerates nerve cells and paralyses muscles, to the point where the person can only move their eyes. Most ALS patients live about 2-5 years following diagnosis. Grandbois is entering her eighth year with ALS.

The Burlington resident, a 2004 Governor General Award winner and 2003 Halton Woman of the Year, came up with the idea to host Elizabeth's Concert of Hope after being diagnosed with ALS in 1997. She wanted to raise money for ALS patients and raise awareness of the disease. It was her hope that increasing the profile of ALS could lead to more funding for research and eventually a cure.

Nearly $2 million raised by the shows has been split evenly between the national ALS society, which funds research, and the regional ALS society that helps provide equipment and supplies for ALS patients. Some of the money created a waiting room for ALS patients at a McMaster hospital clinic.