First Responders Unite to Arrest and Extinguish ALS

Inaugural Arrest and Extinguish event at Tanglewood raises over $50,000 for ALS research.

Cambridge, MA, May 23, 2019 --(PR.com)-- On Saturday, May 18, 2019, dozens of first responders
from the Berkshires came together at Tanglewood for Arrest and Extinguish ALS, a tug-of-war event to
raise money for ALS research.

The fundraiser was started by two first responders with ALS -- Lee, MA Chief of Police, Jeffery Roosa
and former Deputy Chief of the Pittsfield, MA Fire Department, Michael Polidoro. The men organized
the event in an effort to raise awareness and funds to benefit the ALS Therapy Development Institute
(ALS TDI), a Cambridge-based nonprofit biotech dedicated to curing ALS.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative

disease that causes muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately, respiratory failure. ALS robs people of
their ability to walk, move, and speak, but keeps the mind intact. Currently there is no cure or effective
treatment for this disease, but organizations like ALS TDI are working relentlessly to try and change this.

The inaugural Arrest and Extinguish ALS event was held from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and in addition
to the tug-of-war competition it included food trucks, beer, live music, and games. Over 800 community
members attended and helped to cheer on the 22 first responder teams as they competed in the tug-of-war
competition. Thanks to the support of the community the event raised over $50,000, far surpassing Jeff
and Mike's original goal of $25,000.

"It shows you how special the Berkshires are," State Rep. Smitty Pignatelli said. "When people hit a
rough patch, we all come together for the greater good."

Jeff and Mike are now hoping to see the same supportive enthusiasm as Arrest and Extinguish takes off
with police and fire departments around the country challenging one another to compete in physical
challenges in support of their friends and neighbors living with ALS. They are asking all first responders
to get involved by hosting an Arrest and Extinguish ALS fundraiser in their local area to benefit ALS
TDI.

"This event was amazing and really surpassed all expectations. After seeing how successful this was,
we're hoping it will kick off a huge Arrest and Extinguish national campaign," said ALS TDI
Development Director, Terri Handler.

To learn more about starting an Arrest and Extinguish ALS event in your community, visit
fundraise.als.net/arrestandextinguish.

Page 1/2
PR.com Press Release Distribution Terms of Use
Contact Information:
ALS Therapy Development Institute
Meghan Lawlor
617-441-7269
Contact via Email
als.net

Online Version of Press Release:

You can read the online version of this press release at: https://www.pr.com/press-release/785691

News Image:

Page 2/2
PR.com Press Release Distribution Terms of Use