ROBIN BREWER
Special to The NEWS
Jean Young is no fan of compassion fatigue.
The Qualicum Beach merchant is well aware there are more and more charitable causes all the time, but that hasn't stopped her from caring. In fact, she's upping her game.
"I'm saying please care," Young said. "People say they just gave to Fort McMurray and to refugees, but I'm saying, please care again."
What she's hoping people will care about is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Young has been a supporter of the annual ALS Walk in the Central Island for some years now, but after a longtime friend came down with the disease, she decided to deepen her involvement, lace up her sneakers and do the walk herself.
"I've been a supporter in the past and this year in particular," she said. "A local lady of our community — a very special local lady — was diagnosed with ALS and I'm realizing now more than ever how ALS can affect any of us, our family or friends."
ALS is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells, or neurons, that are used to control those muscles we are able to control.
Anyone who would like to sponsor Young in the walk can do so at Arbutus Fashions in Qualicum Beach. Any amount by cash or cheque is welcomed.
A donation of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt.
This year, the ALS Society of B.C. is hosting the People's Drug Mart Walk for ALS (Mid-Island) on June 5 at the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre.
Registration kicks off at
11 a.m. on site.
For more information, visit www.walkforals.ca.