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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE First Petit Memorial Basketball Tournament Raises $10,000 CHESHIRE, Conn. A group of Cheshire teens hosted the first Petit Family Memorial Basketball Tournament, Dunk It!, Saturday, March 15, at Cheshire High School in Cheshire, Conn., and raised $10,000 to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter and the Hayley’s Hope and Michaela’s Miracle MS Memorial Fund. The tournament was the brainchild of four Cheshire teenagers: Megan Alexander, a 2007 Cheshire High School graduate; Justin Ivey, a Cheshire High School senior; Wayne Lawrence, a 2006 Cheshire High School graduate; and Stephen Selnick, a Cheshire High School senior. "The tournament was a great success. We brought the community together to enjoy basketball, an activity the girls loved, all while raising money for a cause that was incredibly important to the family" said co-founder Megan Alexander Multiple Sclerosis became a cause close to the family’s heart after Jennifer’s diagnosis several years ago. Hayley, just 9 years old at the time, formed a walk team, Hayley’s Hope, to raise funds to help find a cure for a disease threatening to rob her mother’s independence and mobility. Over the next eight years, her team, Hayley’s Hope, raised more then $55,000 and was among the top fundraising teams many years. Hayley, who would have attended Dartmouth College fall 2007, prepared to hand the torch to her younger sister, Michaela, who was establishing her own team, Michaela’s Miracle. More than 6,000 Connecticut residents 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. Funds donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure. These funds also provide for vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis. "Megan and her friends did an incredible job coordinating this benefit basketball tournament," said Karen Butler, vice president of communications with the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter. "The response to this event was tremendous. It is gratifying to see young people working in concert to bring community together for a worthy cause to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis." In addition to the basketball tournament, the day featured a bake sale, concessions, music, a silent auction and activities for kids. Next year’s basketball event will be spearheaded by Deborah Hereld, a close friend of Jennifer Petit. "I think it is very important to honor these wonderful people by continuing their work" said Deborah Hereld. "I have been inspired by the success of Dunk it!, and look forward to making it an annual event." For more information about multiple sclerosis and the many ways you can make a difference, contact the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter at (800) FIGHT MS or visit www.ctfightsMS.org. For more information on Dunk it!, a Petit Family Memorial Basketball Tournament, please visit www.petitmemorialbball.com, or e-mail Megan Alexander at megan@petitmemorialbball.com. 3/21/08 |
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