THANK YOU, JOHNSTOWN!

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”. This quote exemplifies the solidarity and commitment of Johnstown, PA and surrounding communities. When Jess Ambroe, now 18, was diagnosed with Lafora disease several years ago, her mother, Michele Ambroe, a registered nurse, shared this tragedy with family and friends and reached out to her community for support. She gathered her troops who became locally known as Jess’ Army to battle the beast called Lafora. This small community through the efforts of churches, schools, businesses, family and friends joined forces with the Ambroe’s in their mission to raise awareness and research funds for Lafora disease.

Many tens of thousands of dollars have been raised over these past few years from Johnstown and surrounding communities through bracelet and tee shirt sales, basket raffle parties, annual hockey tournaments and even support from the local UPS where 65 team members enrolled with payroll deductions over the past 1 ½ years that have been sent to Chelsea’s Hope and dedicated toward research.

The joint efforts of Chelsea’s Hope and Jess’ Army along with the many friends from Johnstown PA and elsewhere are helping pave the way towards a cure for Lafora disease. Monies generated have been sent to the Lafora research center under the direction of Dr. Berge Minassian of Sick Kids Hospital, Toronto, Canada.

Chelsea’s Hope Lafora Children Research Fund, its Board of Directors and associated families extend our most heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your participation, dedication, and support of our cause.

THANK YOU!

Persons of the Week: Three Ferndale Seniors Carry on Hockey Classic to Help a Friend
The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, PA
Frank Sojak
February 5, 2012

The Ferndale Area High School hockey team has two goals in mind when it takes the ice Friday night at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena. [Read more…]

Ferndale Captures Win in Jess Ambroe Classic
The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, PA
Shawn Curtis
February 11, 2012

The listed opponent for Northern Cambria in Friday Night’s Laurel Mountain varsity hockey game at Cambria County War Memorial was Ferndale.

What the Reapers encountered was an emotional and purple-clad Jess’ Army.[Read more…]