Press Release: Compassionate Care ALS Announces James Bruce’s Falmouth Road Race Run to Support CCALS

(West Falmouth, MA, June 16, 2014) Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) is excited to announce that Jim Bruce, a Sergeant with the Northborough Police Dept. will be running this year’s Falmouth Road Race to raise money and awareness for Compassionate Care ALS.

Jim will be pushing an empty wheelchair during the race in memory of his son Matt, who passed away back in March.  CCALS had the honor of knowing Matt, and providing some support to him and the Bruce family during his courageous battle with ALS.

“My son Matt was just 25 years old when he was diagnosed with ALS, a diagnosis that he fully accepted. He never complained or said, “why me”, said Mr. Bruce.  “I will be honoring my son during the race by pushing a racing wheelchair specially designed by Compassionate Care,” said Jim.  “While the chair may be physically empty, I know that Matt will be with us in spirit.  Matt touched so many people with the way that he lived, and especially the way he lived after he got ALS.  Compassionate Care ALS helped Matt find some solace and dignity while he lived with ALS, and I am happy to give back to them in this way”

Dr. Quinn, Matt’s neurologists recently said, “Matt was a strong, young man who knew what he was facing and deliberately chose to squeeze every moment out of his future”.  Abraham Lincoln once said, “it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years”. Matt lived his life to the fullest and served as a role model to all of us to live everyday to the fullest.

Mr. Bruce hopes to raise $30,000 this year.

Founder Ron Hoffman said, “We are honored to have the support of Jim and his family.  I felt a special connection to Matt and the entire family the very first time we met.  I’ve found them to be incredibly authentic, and I’ve been blessed to know them.  There will be a lot of CCALS supporters along the race route cheering him on, and I will probably be the loudest one of all”

CCALS was founded in Falmouth, MA in 1998.  The organization strives to be able to meet and adapt to the differing needs of every individual and family coping with the dynamic and complex issues associated with ALS. They offer a variety of individually tailored services to meet clients’ needs, including provision of equipment like ramps and wheelchairs, logistical and transportation support through our van service program, and emotional support through home visits, referrals, and access to a variety of educational programs and workshops. CCALS staff takes the time needed to understand each individual’s unique struggle with ALS and attempt to be a source of comfort and guidance throughout their entire experience with this fatal disease.

More information can be found at www.ccals.org.

Media Contacts:
Ron Hoffman
Phone: (508) 951-4644
Email: ron@ccals.org