Photo courtesy of the National MS Society

At a check presentation held in Meriden Sept. 16, Frank Bonner, second from right, and his wife Roseann, far left, presents a check to Lisa Gerrol, National MS Society Connecticut Chapter president, second from left, and Dr. William A. Petit Jr. A resident of Middletown, Bonner hosted a car show, Cruzin' for a Cause, in Cheshire on Aug. 17, which raised $7,260. The funds benefit the Hayley's Hope & Michaela's Miracle MS Memorial Fund, a locally restricted fund established in 2007 by the Petit family.

Cruizin' for a Cause, a car show held in Cheshire on Aug. 17, featuring pre-1985 classic and muscle car models, attracted hundreds of auto enthusiasts of all ages and raised more than $7,200. Proceeds benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Connecticut Chapter, Hayley's Hope and Michaela's Miracle MS Memorial Fund, which was established last summer by the Petit family following the deaths of Cheshire residents Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and her daughters Hayley and Michaela.

The locally restricted memorial fund provides MS scholarships for qualifying college freshman who have MS or a parent with MS, family programs and programs and services involving pediatric MS. The Petit women were longtime members of the National MS Society Connecticut Chapter and had, for almost a decade, devoted themselves to raising awareness and funds to help find a cure for MS, a potentially debilitating disease which affected Jennifer Petit

"When I heard about what happened to Dr. William Petit and his family I wanted to reach out and try to do something to help," said event organizer Frank Bronner, who combined his passion for cars with his need to in some way continue the work of the Petit women. "I was amazed and elated at the number of people who came out to our show. I was pleased we could coordinate a lively event that brought people together for a worthy cause."

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, as did Jennifer Petit, battle the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. There is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.

"I am very honored and humbled that Mr. Bonner and his many friends have been so thoughtful and caring about my girls, Jennifer, Hayley, and Michaela as well as all those afflicted by MS," said Dr. William A. Petit Jr., who is from Plainville. "He and his ‘cruizin' family are part of the goodness and kindness in the world that helps us all live better lives by helping one another."

Funds raised through community-organized events ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure. These funds also provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis.

"Mr. Bonner has truly answered Dr. Petit's call last year urging Connecticut communities to ‘fight for a cause,'" said Lisa Gerrol, chapter president. "Mr. Bonner organized a unique and engaging event to a receptive community and, as a result, life will be easier for many families across the state living with multiple sclerosis."

For more information on hosting an event, such as Cruizin' For A Cause, please contact Nicole Marohn, associate vice president of development, at (860) 714-2300, ext. 244. For more information on multiple sclerosis and ways to get involved, contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter at 800-FIGHT MS or visit www.ctfightsms.org.

Comments :