On November 2nd the NNU Accounting Club supported the first annual “Run For Your Life” to raise money for the nonprofit organization “Extra Hands for ALS”.  Nearly 130 runners and walkers completed the two mile course in Caldwell, Idaho, and many runners dressed in costumes appropriate for the Halloween season. 

Pledges and money raised will be used by “Extra Hands for ALS” to raise public awareness of the disease, encourage volunteerism, and provide assistance to ALS patients and their families.  The Boise Chapter of “Extra Hands for ALS” recently developed an Assistive Technology Loan Program to help ALS patients improve their quality of life.

Also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive degeneration of the central nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement.  The disease results in muscle atrophy and an inability to control all body movement except for the eyes.  Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptoms.  Nearly 5000 persons will be diagnosed with ALS this year in the United States. 

The NNU Accounting Club, under the direction of Accounting Professor Ann Thompson-Crabb helped with registration for the race.  They also provided activities for the kids including pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, and games.  Professor Thompson-Crabb’s husband (Peter Crabb, NNU’s Professor of Finance & Economics) and their children also participated in the run.  Tyler Crabb, age 16, took third place.

Filed under: Business Alumni, Helstrom Happenings, HS2NNU, Uncategorized, ACCOUNTING CLUB, ALS, ANN THOMPSON-CRABB, PETER CRABB