by Kimberly Goodrich, CFRE, Senior Director of Development
Our local NHL team, the Philadelphia Flyers, is known for its recognition of those who give of themselves to their community. Their Flyers Hometown Hero program was developed to recognize organizations and individuals that make a positive difference in the lives of others. The Flyers award each Hometown Hero with two tickets to a Flyers game, a personalized Flyers jersey and recognition on the scoreboard during the game. Last night’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets recognized South Jersey resident Justin Yuhaze for his contributions to MSAA and the MS community.
Justin was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis himself, an event that left him with the realization that he didn’t know much about MS. Immediately, he began educating himself about every aspect of MS. “I didn’t know much about MS at this point, but I stopped in at MSAA in Cherry Hill, NJ and they were able to provide me with books, magazines, and told me about an upcoming lecture on the history of medical treatments for MS,” says Justin.
Then Justin decided to participate in MSAA’s Swim for MS fundraising initiative, where he dove into action to help raise awareness and funds to support individuals, like him, who are living with MS. Justin and his wife Julie joined volunteers all across the country who have created their own swim challenge while recruiting online donations to support the vital programs and services offered by MSAA. Justin and his family surpassed their goal, adding to the more than $320,000 that has been raised through Swim for MS.
“We swam all over South Jersey in pools, lakes, and the ocean. Together we swam over 13 miles. By swimming, we can raise awareness about this incurable disease, and provide help to those who need it most. Our fundraising efforts can provide cooling vests, wheelchairs, fund MRI’s, and educational programs and services.”
Thank you Justin for being a part of Swim for MS and supporting our many vital services. Thank you Philadelphia Flyers for recognizing one of the many heroes who give back to their communities! Go Flyers!
To read more about Justin and his Swim for MS challenge or to make a donation, please visit his Swim for MS webpage.
*About Kimberly
I am the Senior Director of Development at MSAA and have worked in the nonprofit arena for over 15 years. I love reading, running, theatre and the Green Bay Packers. I volunteer with the Disabled American Veterans teaching outdoor sports like skiing and kayaking to injured veterans and find that I receive much more from them than I am able to give.
