Team Laura Raises over $11,000 for the MDA to help “Seek A Miracle”

 June 12, 2005 -- Springfield, MA --  Friends of Laura Beth Jacquin raised over $11,000 in donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the 4^th Annual “Stride & Ride” event held in Forest Park today.  Overall, the 2005 event raised over $21,000.  TEAM LAURA donations were earmarked for “Seek-A-Miracle”, a non-profit organization associated with the MDA that provides 100% of its funds to support research to cure Friedreich’s Ataxia, one of over 40 illnesses that the MDA supports. 

  Laura Beth Jacquin & Assistance Dog Munroe being interviewed by ABC News40

Laura Beth, 17, was diagnosed with this progressive, neuromuscular illness seven years ago.  She served as the “Good-Will Ambassador” for the MDA in western Massachusetts before moving to Georgia last summer.  TEAM LAURA members were the most numerous at the event with approximately 80 participants of the 200+ walkers.   As in past years, Laura Beth organized the largest team and raised the most funds.  During four years of participation with this event TEAM LAURA has raised over $50,000 in research dollars for Seek a Miracle.

 Laura Beth Jacquin (center) and more than 50 team members in Forest Park, Springfield

Laura Beth stated she was “very happy to be able to come back to Massachusetts and have the support of so many friends and family members”.  She plans to attend college in Georgia as an education major this fall, but will continue to support local MDA events as time allows.