Murphy's Camping on the Ocean Cribbage Event Raises Funds for ALS

Aug. 12, 2011 - PRLog -- Markham, ON, August 12, 2011 – On July 16, 2011, the Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean Cribbage Fundraising Event was held in Murphy Cove, NS, raising more than $400 for the ALS Society of Canada.

Shauna Murphy, event organizer, was looking for a way to show her support for her uncle Nelson, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2007. “My uncle has participated in several of the Walks for ALS over the past few years, but I wanted to do something to aid his fundraising efforts,” said Murphy.

“We both enjoy cribbage so I thought a tournament would be a great way for us to have fun while raising awareness and funds for ALS.”

Murphy, a speech-language pathologist, is no stranger to the devastation that ALS can cause.

“Having worked with many clients regarding their swallowing and communication difficulties, I've been very aware of the changes that have occurred in Nelson's speech and swallowing abilities over time,” said Murphy.

Though his health is declining, Murphy and her uncle participated as a team in the tournament and were delighted to place second overall. Prizes were given to the top three teams who had the highest number of points at the end of the day. The event also included a 50/50 draw and a draw for a painting.

“I’d like to thank Janice Stewart for her time and effort in producing the beautiful scenic painting which generated more than $100 in funds and was used in the draw,” said Murphy. “I’d also like to thank Steve and Cindy Torkelsen, who donated more than $130 to the cause, and everyone else who contributed to helping us fight ALS.”

Although this was her first time organizing her own fundraiser for ALS, Murphy looks forward to the possibility of doing it again next year.

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.

The ALS Society of Canada, founded in 1977, is the only national voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS and support for those living with ALS. The Society funds research towards a cure for ALS, supports our provincial partners in the provision of quality care for those living with ALS, and provides information to build awareness about the disease.

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. If you would like to host an event, please contact Enzo Raponi, director of development, ALS Canada, at er@als.ca or 1-800-267-4257 x 205 or Kim Wosnick, events co-ordinator, ALS Canada, at kw@als.ca or x 219.

                                                                                                  -30-

For more information, please contact:

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