Disease devastates fundraiser's family
Michelle Lang, Calgary Herald
Published: Monday, October 06, 2008
At age 57, Linda McMurray decided it was time for early retirement.

The Calgary nurse knows all too well how short life can be and she wanted to spend more time with her youngest sister, who suffers from a terminal neuromuscular disease called ALS.

McMurray also wanted to focus her efforts on her true calling: raising money and awareness about the fatal condition, which is best known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"It's a very debilitating illness," says McMurray. "Hopefully we'll be able to find a cure for this terrible disease."
ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis progresses rapidly, attacking the nerves that communicate messages to the body's muscles. In time, it leaves its victims unable to move or breathe. There is no cure.

McMurray's family suffers from a genetic form of ALS that claimed her mother and her uncle. She has also lost her brother and a sister to the disease and now her youngest sister has been diagnosed with ALS.

Her family's situation has turned McMurray into an activist for ALS awareness. She recently won a Community Quarterback award from the Calgary Stampeders for her efforts.

On Saturday, she will host her second annual fundraiser -- called From the Heart -- to raise money for ALS.

Last year's event brought together 150 people and raised $10,000.

"This is for ALS and for my family," she says. "It's something I feel is necessary to raise funds for the ALS Society."

The fundraiser, which takes place at Calgary's Good Shepherd Church, includes a silent auction, a dance and live entertainment. All proceeds go to the ALS Society of Alberta.

Officials with the society said any money from McMurray's event will go to a program that provides direct, in-home support and outreach for clients.

"Our client services program supports the individual and the family as they're moving through this journey of ALS," said Karen Caughey, executive director of the society.

Caughey noted the ALS Society of Alberta does not receive any government money, making fundraisers a lifeline for the society.

McMurray says she's also organizing the event to raise awareness.

"If (people) are aware, they are more likely to donate," she said.

For more information, contact the ALS Society at 403-228-3857.

mlang@theherald.canwest.com

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