CORNWALL, Ontario – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that attacks the muscles of the body and gradually robs those afflicted with it of their mobility and strength.
Mike Labelle of Cornwall was diagnosed with ALS on Oct. 31 of 2017. His family and the community around him are coming together to make sure that he does not face this terrible disease alone and without support.
A fundraiser will be held in support of Mike Labelle on Feb. 24 at the Army Navy Air Force Club from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
The event will feature a 50/50 draw, karaoke and a silent auction which includes two season tickets to see the Cornwall Colts, art from local artists, and donations from Dubuc Eye Care and Pommier Jewellers. Additionally, TLC Entertainment have offered to volunteer their services for the evening as hosts and will be providing the music as well
Donations will be accepted at the door.
Labelle’s sister-in-law Joanne Reust helped to organize the event and said that the event started out as a joint idea within the family to get help and that she was overwhelmed by how often the event was shared through Facebook.
“The family had to do something, we had to try and help,” her daughter Courtney Grant said. “We are very close knit family and its imperative in situations like this that family come together and help each other.”
The event is being organized by Joanne and Courtney with help from her brother Jeff and Mike’s daughter Ayla.
Labelle, 51, was born and raised in Cornwall and worked as a machinist for 30 years. He says he has received some support from the ALS Society Branch in Ottawa and from the organizers of the local ALS walk, like Melissa Ferguson. Labelle’s family hopes to help form a local support group for people suffering from ALS in Cornwall and SD&G.
Labelle said that his disease leaves him sore, in pain, fatigued and depressed, but that he greatly appreciates the support he has received from his family and the community.
“The support that is coming together is phenomenal,” he said. “It really touches the heart.”
For those interested to going to the event on Feb. 24 to support Mike and his family, please follow this link to the Facebook event page.
For those who cannot make it to the event, but would still like to contribute, consider donating to the family through their GoFundMe page.
Those interested in donating to the silent auction are asked to contact Courtney Grant at courtney.grant@efficom.ca
