Brighton Resident collects over 30,000 cans to support ALS

Ken VanBlaricum of Brighton, recently collected over 30,000 cans to support The Bull Run, an event that supports ALS of Michigan to help people with Lou Gehrig’s disease live life as fully as possible. VanBlaricum is Race Director of The Bull Run and sought creative ways to raise money during the pandemic.

“With cans building up in my garage during the quarantine, I thought lots of people would be anxious to donate their cans to free up their space,” explains VanBlaricum. He then contacted U-Store in Brighton which donated two 10 x 10 storage units, which were quickly filled during a series of can and bottle drives manned by VanBlaricum, family and friends.

VanBlaricum, along with his mom, Ginger VanBlaricum of Brighton returned the cans over several days, bringing in over $3,000 for The Bull Run. The event is a 5K, timed race scheduled from 8 to 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 4 at Kensington Metropark. For more information, visit www.alsofmichigan/run.

The Bull Run was named in memory of VanBlaricum’s father, Kenneth “The Bull” VanBlaricum, Sr., who passed away from ALS in 2010.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects more than 30,000 people across the United States. In Michigan alone, more than 1,200 people are currently battling the condition, which attacks the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord that control the ability to move, speak, swallow and eventually breathe.

ALS of Michigan, Inc., is a non-profit organization serving the state of Michigan, which provides support and services at no cost to pALS, their families and caregivers. The agency provides in-home care; medical equipment loans; at-home visits; support groups; conferences and seminars; alternative communication devices and training and other supportive services.