100 Day Bike Tour for ALS Keeps Rolling Across Canada

June 27, 2011 - PRLog -- Winnipeg – June 27, 2011. Two young men inspired by their personal experiences with ALS are continuing their journey from British Columbia to Newfoundland, while raising awareness and funds for ALS.

The ride by Joel Bisson and Michael Downey began on June 1, 2011 on Vancouver Island and was inspired by Joel Bisson’s experience of taking care of a close friend of the family, known as “Uncle Vic,” who has ALS.

“Three years ago my Uncle Vic was diagnosed with ALS and needed a homecare worker, and I was offered the position. I was expecting a very depressed man but instead I found a man dedicated to living,” said Bisson. “However weak Uncle Vic’s physical condition, he was emotionally and spiritually stronger than all the physically healthy people I knew.  The same Uncle Vic that used to lift me into my crib now lifts me in a whole new way.  Ironically, it sometimes takes a dying man to teach you how to truly live.”

Bisson’s desire to make a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS along with his love of cycling inspired the 100 Day Bike Tour for ALS.

“It’s our hope that our national ride will help raise much needed awareness and funds for  research into the causes, treatments and a cure for this devastating disease,” said Downey.

Research is looking to find not only the cause of the disease so that a cure can be developed, but also treatments that can help until a cure is found. With improved knowledge about ALS, health-care providers and families can help people live life more fully. The services offered by the ALS Societies help improve the quality of life for those living with ALS and their families.

“I commend Joel and Michael for joining in the fight against ALS and encourage people to support their efforts with a donation to the cause,” said David Cameron, CEO, ALS Society of Canada. “These two young men are taking direct action to help raise awareness and much needed funds to help fight this terrible disease.”  

For more information on the fundraiser and how to donate, please go to www.als.ca/100daybiketourforals.

ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rapidly progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease that causes the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As the nerve cells die, people with ALS lose control of their muscles, which makes breathing, eating and even smiling almost impossible. Eighty per cent of those diagnosed will die within two to five years.

Across Canada, many individuals and organizations generously invest their time to create and host fundraising events and activities to raise money in support of the ALS Society of Canada and our research mission. If you would like to host your own event, please contact Enzo Raponi, director of development, ALS Canada, at er@als.ca or 1-800-267-4257 ext. 205.

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For more information:

Bobbi Greenberg
Director of Communications
ALS Society of Canada
1-800-267-4257 ext. 208
bg@als.ca