Lock-up raises funds for ALS

SHAWANO - Business and community leaders in Shawano agreed to go to jail Wednesday to help raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The MDA hosted a lock up for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“It's just a weakening of your muscles and your voice box,” said Dawn Ver Haagh with the MDA.

It’s a disease that affects hundreds in Wisconsin.

“I'm doing real good, if I raise enough money to get out of jail,” explained Randy Lorge as he called friends and family for some cash.
.
Dozens of people sat "behind bars" dialing for help to bail them out. Each had a goal of $800.

The MDA’s goal Wednesday was to raise $16-thousand.

Money raised stays local and helps pay for medical visits, support groups and MDA camp.

“It's a great cause and I want to do what I can to help,” said Lorge.

The MDA says 240 people in Wisconsin suffer from ALS. The National ALS Foundation puts that number higher at 394.

According to the local MDA chapter - Wisconsin has a higher than average rate of ALS. And Northeast Wisconsin has the highest concentration in the state - with 70 people diagnosed.

The MDA reports the majority of them live in Green Bay, Appleton and Manitowoc.

ALS is believed to be 10% genetic and 90% sporadic.

“Causes are unknown besides the fact it is genetic and there is not a cure for Muscular Dystrophy, or ALS,” said Ver Haagh.

A cure can’t come soon enough for Robert Ciesielczyk of Seymour.

“1994 they diagnosed me. They gave me five years to live,” Ciesielczyk said.

Fifteen and a half years later Ciesielczyk is still alive. But ALS has left him with little mobility.

“It's like a prisoner in your own body--you got an itch - you can't scratch it,” said Ciesielczyk.

Ciesielczyk applauds the efforts of the people who helped raise money at the lock up, as the search for a cure continues.