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First 5K for ALS a success

May 30, 2015 | 3:42 PM

June is ALS awareness month and it was welcomed with an annual event.

The Prince Albert Walk for ALS was held on Saturday. The group of over 30 people started the 5K jaunt at 1 p.m. at the Elks Club.

“It has been amazing,” said Anita Cantin, one of the organizers. “This is my first year organizing and I couldn’t be happier with the amount of help and the amount of people that have shown up to show that they care about this disease.”

Cantin said the event means a lot to her.

“I lost my friend’s mom a number of years ago and I walk in memory of her.”

The goal of the event was to raise money and to bring awareness to ALS. Nationally ALS walks are the societies’ biggest fundraisers. According to the website, 40 per cent of the proceeds go to research and 60 per cent goes to those living with the disease.

“Hopefully, maybe one day, they can find a cure to stop this horrible disease that’s killing a lot of people now,” she said.

According to the ALS website, ALS is a rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease. It is known to be fatal with no effective treatment and no cure to date.

This year, the community really rallied behind the cause. Cantin said they relied heavily on the City of Prince Albert which donated auction items for their silent auction. Various businesses and individuals also pledged to donate money.

“The businesses of P.A. have been absolutely wonderful,” she said. “If not helping sponsor, giving donations or just helping pledge people.”

Even with the walk going on, Cantin was looking forward.

“With all our shirts on hopefully people will see and then next year’s event will be even bigger,” she said.

The event will wrap up at the Elk’s Club shortly after 5 p.m.

asoloducha@panow.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha