Several local snowmobilers are once again participating in the Blackwoods Blizzard “Never Surrender” Tour, a ride to fight ALS. On Saturday, January 12 from 5 – 9 p.m., the community is invited to a “Dinner with a Purpose” at My Sister’s Place restaurant in Grand Marais. For each meal sold during that time, 50 percent of the bill will be donated to the ALS Association of Minnesota.
Kathy and Tom “2E” Bernier, Paul Bernier and Scott “Emit” Bystrom are the riders taking part in the three-day, 370- mile snowmobile ride to raise money to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease.
ALS slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages two to five years from the time of diagnosis. Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease.
This crippling disease can strike anyone—sadly nearly everyone knows someone who has been affected by ALS. Presently there is no known cause of the disease though support is bringing researchers closer to an answer. In the meantime it costs an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care people with ALS need. “Help make a difference and donate today,” said Kathy Bernier.
Kathy Bernier had a family member affected with this disease and her family saw firsthand what the ALS Association can do to provide the help needed by those affected by it. She said, “Any donation small or large is appreciated and needed.”
The riders’ goal is $4,000 for research, education and patient assistance and you can help by making a donation online at http:// webmn.alsa.org/site/TR/Rides/Minnesota? px=1703381&pg=personal&fr_ id=8590.
Or, stop by My Sister’s Place on January 12 and enjoy not just a great meal, but wonderful music, courtesy of Grand Marais’s own Rod Dockan and Carah Thomas.
“Stop in and help support the immediate needs of those living will ALS,” said Kathy Bernier. “All you have to do it stop in and have an awesome meal. Could be a burger, the best pizza in town, or even a salad for those starting their New Year’s resolutions! Hope to see you all there.”
Leave a Reply