6th and 7th grader JM students at the Jog-A-Thon Photo Andy Scheck
Each year, the Joaquin Moraga Leadership class decides on a cause to support for their annual jog-a-thon. JM Leadership student Hannah Ousterman suggested raising money for Amnyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. She lost her father to the disease a couple of years ago. In addition to raising much needed funds for research and education, Ousterman said the fundraising campaign was also a way to educate students and their families about the disease. "It's so hard on the family because the person loses their ability to function," she said. "We went on the school's news and talked about the disease and we had information about ALS on the donor form. There are least five people affected by ALS at the school." JM students took to the field on April 29, running, jogging or walking for 30 to 35 minutes, averaging 7 to 8 laps. The top runner completed 18 laps. "We had some classes with 80 to 90 percent participation," said JM Leadership Teacher Jerry Gruen, who has been part of the JM Leadership class for 10 years. The one-day event raised approximately $10,000 for ALS research. "I learned how much everybody can come together for a cause," Ousterman said. "We had a great turnout. It was great to see how everybody pulled together."
In addition to raising much needed funds for research and education, Ousterman said the fundraising campaign was also a way to educate students and their families about the disease. "It's so hard on the family because the person loses their ability to function," she said. "We went on the school's news and talked about the disease and we had information about ALS on the donor form. There are least five people affected by ALS at the school."
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA