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Fire departments to hold fundraiser for local firefighter
By TAMMY R. LAWSON, TIMES-REPUBLICAN POSTED: March 19, 2009 Save | !


The Marshalltown Fire Deparment and Haverhill Volunteer Fire Department are working together to help one of their own.

A fundraiser will be held Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Hall to benefit Boyd Elliott. A 20-year firefighter for both departments, Elliott was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in November 2008.

The disease, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord - ultimately resulting in the loss of controlled muscle movement. Patients in the latter stages may become totally paralyzed.

It is estimated that 30,000 people in the U.S. have ALS at any given time, with approximately 5,600 new cases diagnosed annually. More than 5,000 people die from the disease each year as well.

Money raised at the event will go toward Elliott's Haverhill residence for ramp construction. And while he is facing some difficult trials, Marshalltown Fire Department Lt. Wayne Sawtelle said Elliott is keeping a positive attitude.

"The thing we identify most with Boyd is his booming laugh and even during all of this, he hasn't lost that," Sawtelle said.

A dance will begin at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 201 W. High St., from 6 to 11 p.m. featuring DJ Dance Express. In addition, a live auction will be held by Fred Van Metre at 7:30 p.m. for items pertaining to golf, beef, pork, seed corn and lawn equipment. Catering will be done by Smokin' G's BBQ.

Freewill donations will be accepted.

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Contact Tammy R. Lawson at 641-753-6611 or tlawson@timesrepublican.com

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