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- NOW IS THE TIME, the time when we need to create more awareness of ALS.
NOW IS THE TIME, the time when we need to create more awareness of ALS.
When a parent or close relative of a young child is diagnosed with ALS, it can be devastating. The diagnosis not only affects the patient living with ALS, it also affects the children in the family.
ALS knows no boundaries. Its affliction to the patient is a death sentence – he or she may live three to five years after the diagnosis – maybe less. Patients turn to researchers to find the cure, while family and friends join together to support one another by raising funds. But, a child often sits on the outside looking in – not knowing how to help or how express themselves during this stressful time.
The Angel Fund, an independent nonprofit charity has created a project for children called Helping Our Parents Erase ALS – H.O.P.E. for ALS. The project is the brainchild of local artist Lainey Hunter and Ann Hadley, The Angel Fund Chief Development Officer.
H.O.P.E. for ALS enables these children to express themselves on paintings they create on glass. Lainey instructs the children on the art of reverse painting on glass, and the result is beautiful pieces of art that express the child’s love for their relative living with ALS or in memory of someone has lost his or her battle with this disease. These original windows are an important part of the silent auction each year at The Angel Fund Annual Gala.
The children can feel proud of their work and, at the same time, achieve a sense of accomplishment knowing that they have helped raise much-needed funds that will be going to find a cure for the disease.
In past years, The Angel Fund has created note cards and prints from the reverse paintings created by the children. Former Red Sox Mike Timlin joined in the fun three years ago and created his own ‘masterpiece’ as did his and his two children.
An ALS patient lives day to day with the hope that a cure will be found. Creating awareness for the disease is important… we need to continue making people aware that we must work together to find a cure for this horrific disease.
This year marks the sixth year for the H.O.P.E. for ALS project. We would welcome the opportunity to showcase this project and to show that in the times of darkness, there is light, and that children can play a part in creating hope for their loved ones.
If you would like to feature this project, please call The Angel Fund at 781-245-7070 or send an email us theangelfundals@aol.com
A few paintings:
