There will be a fund raiser for long time Canmore Eagle Board member, volunteer, and player billet host Leslie Vanderzwet on Saturday July 18, 2015.
Leslie, who is suffering from ALS, is heading to Mexico for some medical treatment and this fund raiser will help pay for her expenses.
Please click on poster for specific details on the fund raising event.
Please get behind this project and help her out. Thank you.
GIVE LESLIE NEW HOPE IN HER BATTLE WITH ALS
THE BATTLE
In just two short years, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) has robbed Leslie Vanderzwet of her ability to speak. Eating is increasingly difficult, and Leslie is experiencing muscle loss in her hands and ankles. Currently there is no cure for ALS. This cruel disease destroys the ability to speak, to swallow, to move, and eventually to breathe.
MEET LESLIE
Leslie Vanderzwet has lived, worked, and raised her family in the Bow Valley over the past three decades. Until 2013, she worked at the Banff Centre as General Manager for Conferences. Among her many friends, Leslie is known for her trademark laugh, her adventurous spirit, her loyalty, and her love of fine wine, good food, and fast wheels.
Despite the difficult road ahead, Leslie’s spirits remain high. She still wears her trademark high heels, she skis, and plays golf whenever she is able. This summer, if her health allows, Leslie is determined to take a long-dreamt-of horseback trip into the Banff backcountry.
THE HOPE
Recently Leslie was accepted for stem cell treatment through the Stem Cell of America Foundation. While this treatment does not offer a cure, many patients report that the progress of their ALS symptoms slows and, in some cases reverses, following the procedure. The Foundation only accepts 24 ALS patients a year, and Leslie feels very lucky to be selected. But the treatment presents a significant challenge for someone who is no longer able to work: $18,000 US, plus travel to the clinic in Mexico. The treatments are not covered by Canadian Health Insurance.
HOW YOU CAN HELP?
Give Leslie new hope in her battle to slow the progress of ALS. Donations will be used to defray the costs of Leslie’s stem cell treatment and associated travel costs. Every donation helps. Please consider:
* Attending the fundraising event on Saturday, July 18
* Donating a silent auction item for the event on July 18
* Making a cash contribution at hhtp://www.gofundme.com/w7k83c