The Hops for Hope ALS fundraiser in New Prague had beautiful fall weather for its fifth annual happening on Saturday, Sept. 10. Held at Giesenbrau Bier Co. there was music, food, beverages and a silent auction. Those who organize it remember those who died due to the disease ALS and offer support for those who continue to deal with it.
“The Hops for Hope Committee continues to be humbled by the generosity of New Prague and surrounding communities of our event,” said Julie Smith of the group. “We are so grateful for the support we have received from this year's sponsors, the donors of items for our event's fundraising activities, our event volunteers, and everyone who attended the event. This year's event raised over $63,000 for critical ALS research. More ALS research is being conducted than ever before, so these funds are truly making a difference.” Smith said this year’s Hops for Hope had more sponsors than in the past.
Among those attending were Jimmy and Sydney Thibault of Rapid City, SD, Sydney is originally from New Prague and her dad, the late Dwayne Anderson, died of ALS on August 1 of this year. “This is my way to show support and remember him,” she said.
Also attending was Sydney’s mom, Vicki Anderson of New Prague. Vicki is an oncology nurse and worked with patients with cancer. She has seen the advances in treating that disease and hopes for advances in treating in ALS. “I hope they do find an answer for ALS,” she said, adding that events like Hops for Hope raise awareness, provide support of their cause and that the funds help with research. “I feel like everyone who has supported the cause has had at least someone who’s had ALS,” said Vicki. “We’ve joined together to work toward a cure and make people aware.”
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a disease that currently doesn’t have a cure. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease it is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. When the motor neurons die, the brain’s ability to initiate and control voluntary muscle movement is lost. People with ALS may lose their ability to speak, eat, move, and breathe.
Attending Hops for Hope for the fist time was...
To see more on this story pick up the September 15, 2022 print edition of The New Prague Times.
Hops for Hope offers support, raises over $63,000
