by Christina Miller

Massena, NY — Last March after a three-year battle I lost my mother to ALS. The disease is a very hard battle for its victims and in memory of her we have started a foundation to help those attacked by it. Our group has started fundraising to help local families, build awareness to the disease and donate to research.

Sandy’s Steps to Edge Out ALS is a non-profit organization reaching out to those with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Sandra Tulga, a Standardbred owner and member of the USTA, whom this organization is in honor of, was affected by this horrible disease but instead of taking pity on herself she encouraged people like us to take action.

No matter what her day brought, she faced it with a smile on her face. She was the most courageous and beautiful person I have known.

We, family and friends, made a promise to her that we would create a walk/organization in her honor in St. Lawrence County to find a cure for this disease. Half of our proceeds will go towards a family struggling with ALS locally and the other half will be sent to institutes to aide in their research for a drug for ALS.

Our first event that we are trying to jump start is a 5k walk on May 10, Mother’s Day weekend, at Robert Moses State Park in Massena, N.Y. We are looking for donations and sponsors to kick start the event. Our website is www.edgeoutals.com.

Being a horsewoman all my life I know how supportive the harness racing community is. I would personally like to thank Mr. Jeff Gural for his donation.

Please help us carry out our promise to Sandy and give back to our community.