A Nova Scotia man living with ALS is leading a return pilgrimage to a European holy site called the Land of Miracles.

More than three years ago, Darryl Bach was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, which affects muscle and nerve tissue.

Bach’s body continues to deteriorate, but his attitude stays positive.

His positive attitude led him to a one-of-a-kind journey. A year ago, Bach entered to win an all-expense paid trip to the tiny Bosnian village of Medjugorje, where some believe miracles are possible. Bach was one of eight chosen to go on the trip.

It was a life changing journey that Bach thought would be his last, but now he's going back to Bosnia with a new purpose – hoping to inspire others living with ALS.

“Let's face it, we're all there for the same reason to try and find some peace and maybe some answers. That's essentially what it did for me and if it had that profound effect on me, I came home rejuvenated, feeling of happiness and alive, maybe it can do that to others as well,” says Bach.

Bach doesn't expect a miracle on this voyage, but says the experience enhanced his life.

“It was like nothing I have ever witnessed,” says Bach. “There's a profound peace you get there. It hits you almost as soon as you get there and it's incredible. I really want to experience that peace again.”

Against the odds, Bach is trying to keep his life as normal as possible. He still works three times a week, which his co-workers say is a real inspiration.

“When he comes to work he makes our day, just as good as we make his kind of thing,” says Joan MacLean, Bach’s co-worker. “Whatever he needs we're there for him and he knows that.”

“It doesn't matter how you feel, Darryl always makes you feel good,” says Laura Tinski, Bach’s co-worker. “I don't feel that great today but there's other people worse off and Darryl has always said that, as bad as I am, there's somebody worse off.”

Bach says there were some dark days following his diagnoses in May 2012, until he found the courage to change his attitude with the help from family and friends. Now, he wants to pass that hope onto others.

“We're all trying to navigate our way through this challenge they call ALS,” says Bach. “It must be tough, because you're physically watching someone fade away and there's nothing you can do about it.”

Despite a terminal illness, Bach has decided to enjoy the life he has and the time he has left.

“The average life expectancy is, after diagnosis, is only two to five years, so I think I'm doing pretty good, I'll take it,” says Bach.

Bach begins his next journey to Bosnia this spring.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore