We’ve just finished up the Falmouth Road Race with another exceptional event and a record amount of funds raised. How is this possible? It is you, our community, our families, who toil on the race route, but also toil for months and years ahead, reaching out on our behalf. And not just for events like the Road Race, but also, on your own, all over New England, creating events at an unprecedented level in order to keep our vision of ALS care not just alive, but thriving.
I’m recalling an event from earlier this summer at the Bethel Boston AME Church, in Jamaica Plain, Mass., presented by Pastors Chris and Katani Sumner, called “Propelled Into Purpose.” Chris was living with bulbar onset ALS, and it was progressing rapidly (he passed in late July). With all of that going on, this family took the time to rally its community in support of our work. Right in the middle of ALS, mind you, which often makes life about as difficult as it can be, they organized a major fundraiser for us!
Why, you might ask yourself, would they take this on? As Katani said at the event, “We fell in love with CCALS because of how they treated us, how they took us in and cared for us. No red tape. What do you need? They asked us. And it shows up. Before we even knew we needed it, it shows up.”
It was out of gratitude for who we are and what we provide that inspired this amazing couple, their children and worship community to rise above the disease for just a few hours and make what they received available to those who may follow. I’ve always felt, and observed, that those with a spiritual practice, whatever it may be, can travel the path of ALS with greater ease, and sometimes grace. Pastor Sumner made this clear to me once again at “Propelled Into Purpose,” when he said, via voice banking with AI enhancement:
“While Scripture doesn’t directly mention Yahweh’s feelings on or about ALS, Christian perspectives focus on finding God’s presence, purpose and strength within the suffering. People with ALS often describe finding immense peace, purpose and community through faith.”
Amen to that. Special gratitude to the Rev. Dr. Ray Hammond and his wife, Rev. Dr. Gloria White Hammond, leaders of Bethel Boston AME Church, for their generosity and kindness in opening up their church and congregation to this event. Blessings, love and gratitude to all of those on the unique and difficult path of ALS. And thank you, thank you, thank you, for helping us continue to bring what we bring to those in need.
—Ron