Volleyball Tournament for ALS Research

Nicole, a grade 12 student from Rehoboth Christian School, organized a volleyball tournament this past Saturday to raise funds for the ALS Research conducted by Dr. John Turnbull of McMaster University Hospital.  Nine teams of at least six players showed up to play, have fun and fellowship, and eat pizza. Approximately $1,000 was raised by the tournament. Thank-you Nicole for all your kind, considerate effort and energy you put into organizing this event on my behalf.

Nicole (The organizer of the tournament!)

It's hard to read the sign but it says Fundraiser Volleyball Tournament for Mr. Westerink!



 



The Westerink Family cheering section!



ALS Research: Dr. Turnbull reported at the 2nd Annual Amethyst Dinner for ALS Research that experimental studies had been done at the cellular level, and was now moving up to the level of testing on mice. Dr. Turnbull believes that ALS will be a treatable disease in the future. At first, treatments will be found to slow the progress of this cruel neurological disease. Then, perhaps, a cure will be found.





When asked how much money it would take to pay for the research of a cure, Dr. Turnbull said about $5 billion. Developing a drug, and bringing it to market, costs hundreds of millions of dollars. When I told Dr. Turnbull about the tournament, he smiled. He said that every bit helps, and the enthusiasm and awareness is worth a lot. The Amethyst Awareness dinner raised about $50,000 toward the cause.