First Responders Unite to End ALS at Inaugural Arrest & Extinguish Event

On May 18th, first responders will unite for a tug-of-war event at Tanglewood to raise money for
ALS research.

Cambridge, MA, May 11, 2019 --(PR.com)-- On Saturday, May 18, 2019, first responders from
Massachusetts will come together at Tanglewood for Arrest and Extinguish, a tug-of-war event to raise
money for ALS research.

Arrest and Extinguish ALS was started by two first responders with ALS -- Lee, MA Chief of Police,
Jeffery Roosa and former Deputy Chief of the Pittsfield, MA Fire Department, Michael Polidoro. Both
men have dedicated their lives in service of others, and since being diagnosed with ALS, they have been
overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from their colleagues and local community. They are now
hoping to harness this support to raise awareness and fund ALS research.

Jeff and Mike are challenging first responders across the country to get involved by hosting an ALS
Arrest & Extinguish fundraiser in their local area to benefit the ALS Therapy Development Institute
(ALS TDI).

“I feel that awareness and funding for research are the only ways we can “Arrest and Extinguish” this
terrible disease,” said Mike Polidoro. “Too many are affected by ALS. It doesn't stop with the patient! I
have personally seen this diagnosis adversely affect the lives of family, friends and coworkers. It is
heartbreaking to watch as they go through the struggles of this disease and witness the toll it takes on
their lives. I dedicated my life to saving others and this gives me a chance to continue on that road.”

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative

disease that causes muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately, respiratory failure. ALS robs people of
their ability to walk, move, and speak, but keeps the mind intact. At this moment, there are approximately
30,000 people in the US living with ALS, and most survive only two to five years following their
diagnosis. Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS. Currently there is no cure or effective
treatment for this disease, but organizations like ALS TDI are working relentlessly to try and change this.

The inaugural Arrest and Extinguish event will be held on May 18th from 11am to 5pm at Tanglewood in
Lenox, MA. This free event will invite first responders from in and around Massachusetts to form teams,
fundraise, and compete in a tug-of-war competition. A prize will be awarded to the team that receives the
most donations and the team that wins the tug-of-war competition will go on to compete at the Firefighter
Combat Challenge in June.

Jeff and Mike hope to raise $25,000 through the event, with funds going directly to research at ALS TDI.
All members of the community are invited and encouraged to donate and to attend the Arrest and
Extinguish event on May 18. To learn more about the event, and to make a donation, visit
https://fundraise.als.net/arrestandextinguishevent.

Page 1/2
PR.com Press Release Distribution Terms of Use
Contact Information:
ALS Therapy Development Institute
Meghan Lawlor
617-441-7269
Contact via Email
als.net

Online Version of Press Release:

You can read the online version of this press release at: https://www.pr.com/press-release/784654

Page 2/2
PR.com Press Release Distribution Terms of Use