Approximately $12,000 was raised for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of BC at a South Surrey fundraiser last month.
Organized by Sara Montgomery in honour of her father-in-law Bill Montgomery, the fundraiser brought in dozens of people to Hazelmere Golf and Tennis Club May 25.
Diagnosed five years ago with ALS, Bill has already surpassed the average life expectancy of 3-5 years given to those diagnosed with ALS, Sara said.
“He was diagnosed shortly before (late White Rock teacher) Alison Bennett,” she said, who noted that her daughter, Kennedy, was taught by the Laronde Elementary music teacher.
At the event, a tree of hope for a cure was put up for those who had been affected by the disease. Guests could add their names or the names of loved ones, Sara said.
“For such an unknown disease it was amazing how many people had these connections and were so closely affected,” she said. “Reading the stats, about 350 people have ALS in B.C., which may not seem like a lot, but the sad fact of the reality is that it’s 350 people at any given time.
“Just as someone is diagnosed with it, two or three people pass away from it.”
Donations are still coming in. Once the total has been tallied, proceeds will go to the ALS Society of B.C.
For more information or to donate, visit www.alsbc.ca