Under normal circumstances, Okanagan Golf Club pros Lee Ranger, Ryan Desharnais and Connor Kozak would never spend more than 16 hours on a golf course.
But when it came to supporing a worthy cause, the threesome was willing and able.
On July 19, as part of the Ranger, Desharnais and Kozak golfed 144 holes each in support of those living with ALS. The threesome golfed from 5:10 a.m. to 9:20 p.m. as part of the PGA of BC Golfathon for ALS.
“For myself, this event is inspired by my father, Dave Ranger, who has ALS,” said Lee Ranger, head golf professional at Okanagan. “It is his third year of diagnosis, and it was just last year that I kicked the Golfathon off again at this golf course, on his behalf.
“He’s an avid golfer himself, but he has lost his ability to play golf. The golf club and members have been very supportive of this event, and we had lots of support from the people that we played through. We’re also very fortunate to have two golf courses to play back and forth.”
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects the person’s motor neurons that carry messages to the muscles resulting in weakness and wasting in arms, legs, mouth, throat and elsewhere; typically the person is immobilized within two to five years of the initial diagnosis. There is no known cause or cure yet, but there is hope through the ALS Society of BC.
Proceeds from the Golfathon for ALS provide crucial support services to ALS patients and their families, friends, and caregivers.
To support local golf professionals who are raising awareness and funds for the ALS Society of BC, go to golfathonforals.com