All proceeds from The Bull Run go to ALS of Michigan to support people here in Michigan with ALS.
ALS of Michigan is a voluntary not-for-profit organization, solely dedicated to the fight against ALS. Our mission is dedicated to helping our pALS (people with ALS), their families and caregivers live life as fully as possible. We serve pALS and their families throughout the state of Michigan through a variety of programs. Thanks to our generous supporters, our programs are all offered at no cost ever.
Some of our services include Information, Referrals and Resource Guides, Workshops & Seminars, Equipment Loans, Augmentative & Alternative Communication Center, Home Visits, Peer Counseling, Support Groups, and Respite Care Services (in certain areas).
There is a bit of symbolism in The Bull Run. First the name, my dad, Kenneth C. VanBlaricum passed from ALS in Feb. 2010 and early in his life he worked in excavating, his nickname was “Bull” hence The Bull Run. Second, The finishers medal is a dog tag honoring the time he served in the National Guard out of the Howell Armory and was called into active duty during the 1967 riots in Detroit.
As you leave the start line you will run past the ball diamond right by 1st base which is the position played by Lou Gehrig, as you finish you score a home run for our pALS(people with ALS) here in Michigan.
This run is a dream of mine to honor my father and to support those still fighting this disease for which there is currently no cure. Thank you for being a part of The Bull Run.