Banding together

Carl Nicholson will never forget his friend, Ronnie MacLennan.

The Hunter River man, a member of the New Glasgow Fire Department, died after a lengthy battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2006.

He was active, very involved, very dedicated, the type of person you liked to have around. He had a fighting spirit, says the fire departments public relations officer.

Watching MacLennan face his battle with ALS inspired Nicholson to learn more about the disease. The rapidly progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease is characterized by the degeneration of a select group of nerve cells and pathways (motor neurons) in the brain and spinal cord.

After Ronnie was diagnosed with ALS, our brotherhood of firefighters wanted to do something to help. We also wanted to raise funds and awareness for families who are dealing with the disease. So we organized the first Walk for ALS, says Nicholson.

Five years later, the New Glasgow firefighters are being recognized for their role in organizing this annual event.

They will be honoured Saturday during the fifth annual Walk for ALS at Oyster Bed Bridge Raceway Park, 10 a.m. to noon. A barbecue will be held with hot dogs at the close of the event.

Its a well-deserved honour, says a spokesperson for the P.E.I. ALS Society.

We wanted to do something to thank them for their generous donation of time, says Betty McNabb, who will be on hand Saturday to officially thank the firefighters for their contribution.

Shes impressed by the thoughtfulness behind the firefighters commitment.

They give us the whole morning. They bring the fire truck, do the barbecue and arrange for a donation of bottled water. They also look after the public address system for us. Their generous donation makes the event possible, she says.

Nicholson is humble about accepting the kudos.

We just wanted to help our friend. As firefighters we tend not to take appreciation very quickly. We enjoy it, but we think its our duty to provide this service.

Its part of the same service that we provide to our community on a volunteer basis, 24 hours a day, every day, says Nicholson, adding that many of the firefighters also take part in the walk and collect donations.

MacLennans wife, Colleen, is also appreciative of the efforts put forward by the firefighters.

Its good to have their support. It helps us purchase equipment that is needed.

When my husband, Ronnie, was diagnosed, there were nine people on P.E.I. with the disease. And the machines that they needed are expensive. It costs $10,000 for a machine that helps them talk and $5,000 for a machine that helps them breathe, so it can be very costly.

The disease is so progressive that one day somebody may not need anything, but the next, three people may need the exact same device.



At a glance

Ready to raise funds

n What: Fifth annual Walk for ALS.

n When: Oyster Bed Bridge Raceway Park, 10-noon, June 14.

n Honouring New Glasgow firefighters: Sterling MacRae, Grant Rackham, Carl Nicholson, Craig Ling, Roger Nicholson, Stewart MacRae, Clifford Procter, Ernie Gallant, Jamie Kelly, Gary Nicholson, Wayne Houston, Todd Newson, Allan Ling, Barry Nicholson, Giena Dingwell, Ralphene Allen, Ronnie Toombs, Cassie Smarden, Kirk Axworthy, Ray Murphy, Jeff Axworthy, Matt Ling, Tim Munro, Heather Dingwell, Jason Peters, Melvin Ling, Gordie Farrar, Wayne Court, Robert Gallant, Carmen Wyand, Randy Blanchard, Kenny Snow, Mike Green, Allan Pound.

n Support the cause: For more information, call 902-439-1600.