Fundraising goal met in the ALS walk in Merritt

MERRITT – Another successful ALS walk in Merritt reached it’s fundraising goal.

“Just thank you to everybody,” said Tammy Brown, organizer of the walk. “Thank you so much for being here for our family.”

With roughly 80 people in attendance for the walk, the total raised was $10,716, jumping past the goal of $10,000.

“The community has already been so supportive, there’s been donations rolling in since I started fundraising in February,” said Brown.

Unfortunately, Tammy’s dad, Tony Caruso who suffers from ALS, was not able to attend the walk but felt the support from a distance.

“It means a lot to me and my whole family,” added Brown. “Dad was hoping he could be here, but unfortunately he was taken by ambulance to Kamloops half an hour before the event, so he was tearful when we said that we would all be walking for him today and for all of those suffering from ALS.”

When it comes to the fundraising, Brown knows first hand how important it is for those suffering from the disease.

“Financial donations are super helpful because 60% of the money goes directly to families that are living with this disease, so paying for thigs like equipment, wheelchairs, BiPAP machines, and all of those things that come with this debilitating disease. The other 40% goes towards research to find a cure for ALS.”