Sporting A Cause

Tag Archives: ALS Foundation

I Missed the Point

I have blogged often about the large crowds that turn out for the many “Walk” fundraisers in the Tri-State area. Those throngs are a testament to the dedication of so many who support the fight against the plagues on humanity like Alzheimer’s, ALS, hunger, suicide and many more- too many more.
But I’ve missed the point. The true value here is not in the crowds that walk for these causes but in the individuals.
You see, each individual in that crowd is a fundraiser. For reasons of their own – often they’ve lost a loved one to a disease, they labor for months before the first step of the Walk. They solicit friends, family, neighbors and coworkers for pledges. They set up fundraising pages to reach a wider audience. Each person’s devotion to the cause is the reason for the success of the Walk, and their aggregate can add up to stunning financial results.
Here are some of those folks who are fundraising for their causes along with links to their fundraising pages. If you have the ability to help any or all of these causes, bless your heart! You will not only be participating in worthy causes, you will be helping to bolster the resolve of these good people in their efforts.
Nicole Roy is raising money for the ALS Foundation . Nicole Roy and Team Roy have participated for eight years in the Ride to Defeat ALS . Nicole lost her father Paul to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Her link is https://www.facebook.com/donate/1191671207873585/10219707843141627/.
Marlane White and Tina Hogan are both deeply involved in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Not only will they be walking , they have worked tirelessly to organize the event . Its success will be due largely to their efforts.
Thomas Sherwood is walking with Team Joey in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Thomas lost his brother Joey to suicide. You can find his fundraiser at https://afsp.donordrive.com/participant/Thomas-Sherwood.
And Amy Truax will be walking in the Northwest CT CROP Hunger Walk which will be held virtually this year. Without the energy and connection that comes with a “live” event, it will be all the more important to support individuals like Amy to make these virtual Walks successful. Amy’s link is https://www.crophungerwalk.org/falls…/SheffieldAshleyFalls.
To find details about these and other worthy sports-related fundraisers visit http://sportingacause.com/ .
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Lou Gehrig’s Disease

I don’t think there is a more devastating illness than ALS  (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). This neurodegenerative treachery  robs its victims of muscular control. First it limits and then eliminates leg and hand movements, then finally it impedes the ability to swallow and breath. But it leaves the mind intact- fully aware of its body’s condition.

ALS affects the sufferers’ family/caregivers as well. It levies a ponderous emotional and financial toll. Once diagnosed, the average lifespan for someone with ALS is two to five years. It is always fatal.

Organizations like the ALS Foundation are working to support ALS sufferers and their families while also funding research for treatments and a cure.

For the past eight years Nicole Roy and Team Roy have participated in the Ride to Defeat ALS to raise much-needed funds for the ALS Foundation. She lost her father Paul to ALS over 20 years ago. He was a great man and a good friend of mine whose smile was infectious. As I’ve said in a previous blog , smiling may be the bravest thing you can do when you have ALS.

Nicole is looking for your support to help raise money for the ALS Foundation. If you are able to give, please go here to donate: :https://www.facebook.com/donate/1191671207873585/10219707843141627/.

And as Nicole says “Every little bit helps”.

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