Connecticut kickball tourney will help raise money for ALS programs

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Correspondent                                                                                               

                                                                           

A local man is hoping to kick the devastating disease, ALS, also known as Lou Gerhig’s disease, to the curb with his 3rd annual Valley kickball tournament. Ryan Matthews of Beacon Falls knows firsthand how the heartbreaking disease can affect families, having lost his mom, Susan Matthews, to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2011. Matthews’ mom was diagnosed in 2009. The degenerative motor neuron disorder takes otherwise healthy, physically capable individuals, and slips them eventually into full body paralysis, Matthews said. ALS patients are only expected to live an additional two to five years after their diagnosis, said Matthews, who serves as executive director of The Susie Foundation, which he founded in his mother’s honor.

“It was a transformative moment for our family,” said Matthews, 27. “My mom needed ‘round the clock care beginning during the very early stages of the disease, which, at times, presented seemingly insurmountable challenges. But we were lucky to have an incredibly supportive, loving, and dedicated network of family, friends, and community care providers to help us along the way.

The Susie Foundation provides direct relief and support services to local families living with ALS, Matthews said. To help raise funds to support programming efforts, Matthews is holding his 3rd annual Susie Classic Kickball Tournament on Aug. 8 in Beacon Falls.

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Ice challenge at Shelton community benefits ALS

Staff from Wesley Village pose for a photo before getting drenched for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Pictured from left: Dave Lawlor, Jarred Worthy, Gary Maglio, Endra Newell, Carlene Rhea, Debra Samorajczyk, Mary Ann Milano, Jordan Cohen, Linda McPhail, Pete Belval. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Staff and residents at Wesley Village gathered together last week to proudly participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, throwing buckets of cold, icy water on team members to raise money for a worthy cause.
Beginning the challenge Aug. 19 were staff members from Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, who then nominated UMH President and CEO Dave Lawlor and Wesley Village Vice President of Operations, Pete Belval, who were both soaked along with other staff within the next 24 hours.

To check out the video, visit the UMH Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/umhcaring.

Wesley Village is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and includes Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Assisted and Independent Living Community, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center.
The campus provides a continuum of relationship-centered care and is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, not-for-profit organization.

For information about Wesley Village, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or call 203-225-5000.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Reminder: Dinner is in Ansonia today for retired AHS athletic director

Fundraiser to benefit retired Ansonia High School athletic director

By Patricia Villers, New Haven Register

Posted: 07/16/14, 6:14 PM EDT | Updated: 4 days ago

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ANSONIA >> Valley residents will come together Monday for a ziti dinner to benefit Derby resident Dennis Gleason, retired Ansonia High School athletic director and educator.

Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, in mid-May and is currently in Griffin Hospital in Derby.

The event will be held at The Original Antonio’s Restaurant, 314 Main St. Tickets are $25 at the door and there will be a raffle.
There will be two seatings, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m.

A close friend of the family, city resident Denise Keller, is helping to organize the event. She said Tuesday she would do anything for the Gleasons.
“Dorothy and Dennis Gleason helped me (as a teenager),” Keller said. “They’re always there for other people,” she said. “They do anything they can for others.”
Keller is godmother to the Gleasons’ son, Ryan. “I want to pay back to them,” she said.
She said the idea to hold a fundraiser came from the Ansonia High School football coaching staff.
Keller urged people who know the couple to send cards to their home at 15 Mason St, Derby, CT. 06418.
For more information, call Keller, 203-231-0941 or Marcia, 203-732-8663.

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