Lindsay Place pitches in for good cause

When former Montreal Alouettes all-star defensive Tony Proudfoot visited Lindsay Place High School in Pointe Claire Friday afternoon, he was greeted by a group of Grade 11 students who offered a $1,094 cheque for research on Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"It is nice to see young people get behind something that doesn't involve themselves. It is a true community spirit here and for that I am thankful," the veteran athlete told The Chronicle in an e-mail interview later on.

Diagnosed with Amyotropohic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, in 2007, the Pointe Claire resident has been doing his best to raise awareness of this neurodegenerative disease since then. The ALS Society of Quebec, established a fund in his name that donates money directly to the Montreal Neurological Institute for ALS research, Proudfoot said.

"Over the last 18 months," he added, "the fund has generated over $350,000 and continues to grow with community involvement like that shown by the students of Lindsay Place High School."

The students were visibly thrilled after his visit last Friday afternoon, with many sticking around in the auditorium after he was gone. One of them shook hands with sports, fitness and society teacher Earl Graham, who organized the project, before heading back to class.

"It's great for the kids to be involved in something like this, "Graham said.

He said the students had been working year-round on different fundraising events for the Proudfoot Fund, including a bake sale. "The kids were very enthusiastic," he added.

Graham said he would like to see the project continued next year, although he ultimately has no control over its future, being a substitute teacher. However, he said there does seem to be some enthusiasm already from students in lower-grade classes.

It is estimated that around 3,000 Canadians live with ALS. The disease can strike anyone and causes rapid degeneration of muscular control, leaving mental faculties untouched even as it paralyzes its victims' bodies. Quebec's ALS Society estimates those who are diagnosed with ALS have a 3-5 year life expectancy.