JAY — The Brochu and Parker families of Jay and Lewiston, along with a committee of family friends, are finalizing details for their third annual fundraiser for the A-T Children’s Project. There is a new place and new events.
Josh Brochu, 10, and Brooke Brochu, 7, of Jay are students at Jay Elementary School. They suffer from the deadly, rare genetic disease, ataxia telangiectasia, a neuro-degenerative disease that attacks the part of the brain that controls motor skills and immune system.
Emersyn “Emmy” Rowles, 6, of Lewiston, is a student at McMahon Elementary School there. She was diagnosed with the disease at age 2.
“As far as we know, they are the only three A-T patients in the state of Maine. There are less than 500 cases in the entire country,” parent Lisa Brochu said.
This year’s Hope with Every Step Maine honoring Josh, Brooke and Emmy will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, rain or shine at Taglienti Field at the Spruce Mountain High School in Jay.
The change in location will allow for the 2-mile family walk to take place on a paved track, announcements and entertainment to be broadcast over a loud speaker, better parking availability and the use of the school’s gymnasium and cafeteria in the case of unfavorable weather, Brochu said in a release.
The American Red Cross bus will be there to run a blood drive in honor of Brooke, who depends on a blood product to support her immune system.
“We’re adding an untimed 23-mile bike event this year, a great warm-up for the Dempsey Challenge,” parent Chris Brochu said.
The day will begin with registration at 7:30 a.m. for a timed 5k run/walk with medals and prizes awarded to top finishers and the bike ride, both beginning at the track/football field behind the high school.
The event will be emceed by local improv comedians, Teacher’s Lounge Mafia. Jeff Beard, barbecue judge from Memphis, Tenn., will return again this year with his award-winning smoked barbecue pulled pork sandwich plate.
The day will feature live music by Cold Blue Steel and Drew Masse, improv comedy by the Teacher’s Lounge Mafia, and a zumba demonstration. Activities will include multiple huge bounce houses, an inflatable obstacle course, Walmart touch-a-truck tractor-trailer truck, barrel train rides, raffles, face painting, kids games and lots of food.
To learn more about A-T and Hope with Every Step Maine, register for the event, create a free online fundraising page, become a corporate sponsor or make a donation, please visit www.atcp.org/HopeStepMaine.
Preregister by Sunday, Sept. 9, to guarantee an event T-shirt. For more details about the fundraiser visit www.facebook.com/ATmaine. Teams are welcome. Top individual fundraiser will win a 42-inch Sanyo LCD HDTV.
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