Golf balls will be sailing off the tee from sunrise to sunset July 17 in the fight against ALS.
Brett Standerwick of Fairwinds Golf Club will play as many holes as possible to raise awareness and funds for the ALS Society of B.C. during the annual Golfathon for ALS.
Fairwinds is one of 40 golf courses across the province taking part in the PGA of B.C. fundraiser.
“When someone faces the most frightening diagnosis imaginable, it means so much to know there is hope and that they are not alone,” said Wendy Toyer, society executive director. “I am constantly struck by the courage and tenacity of those we serve. They want to keep going, they want to help others, they want to contribute and they want to stay active. People living with ALS can do all of that if they have the right support.”
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects the person’s motor neurons that carry messages to the muscles resulting in weakness and wasting in arms, legs, mouth, throat and elsewhere.
Typically, the person is immobilized or dies within two to five years of the initial diagnosis. ALS can happen to anyone at anytime.
“We must redouble our efforts across Canada to enhance our research effort and expedite investigations we know can bear fruit within years if not months,” said Toyer. “We now know that for many ALS patients living today, real breakthroughs can take place in their lifetime.”
To donate to Standerwick’s golfathon, please go to www.golfathonforals.ca.