ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – An event in Ishpeming this Saturday will help a local family touched by a deadly disease.
Kevin “Cal” Carlson was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, last summer at the age of 45. It’s a degenerative neuromuscular disorder that progressively stops muscles from working, and there’s no cure.
Cal’s Journey 5k and 1-mile Race begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Al Quaal Recreation Area.
Proceeds will help Cal’s wife and three kids as they navigate medical and travel expenses, as well as needed changes to their home, such as widening doorways for Cal’s wheelchair, and a wheelchair-accessible van.
So far, over 800 people have registered to participate in the race either in person or virtually.
“It’s been crazy just seeing the list of people that I haven’t seen in a while,” said Cal. “Hopefully people realize that we have ALS in the U.P. and that it’s hard to get medical care up here, so we have to travel, and it’s hard.”
“Our friends have been amazing. They’ve stepped in and done things for us that– you know you need help, but you don’t even know what you need, but they just anticipate what we need. They kind of just step in and do it,” added Sabina Carlson, Cal’s wife.
Same-day registration begins at 8 a.m. at Al Quaal. Registration is between $30 and $45 for the different race options. Registration includes a t-shirt, but sizes may be limited the day of the event.
To register, click here. To view the event’s Facebook page, click here.
