Revelstoke’s Aaron Volpatti has reached his $25,000 fundraising goal, with less than 24 hours to spare, before tackling his first Ironman – Ironman for ALS, tomorrow, July 28 2019.
Volpatti, a retired National Hockey League player who was born and raised in Revelstoke, has been hard at work, both training and fundraising, since last winter.
When Volpatti first announced his efforts to raise money for ALS, he had set his goals at $10,000. He raised $3,500 the first day, and was inspired to up his goal to $25,000. Volpatti’s grandmother, Jeannie Elrick, along with Elrick’s good friend Susan Dosot, previously raised $4,000 selling cabbage rolls.
Ironman triathlons are made up of three different elements including a nearly 4 km swim, 180 km bike ride and a 42 km run, raced without break in that order. The Ironman for ALS swim will be in a glacier fed lake. The swim, Volpatti has previously stated, may be the most difficult part of the event for him.
ALS, known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive motor neuron disease with no known cure. Volpatti’s father, Tony, was diagnosed with ALS in early 2016.
“About 4 years ago, my dad joined me on the father/sons road trip while I was playing professional hockey,” says Volpatti. “As we were boarding the plane for LA, my dad was having troubles lifting his suitcase into the overhead bin. We shared a laugh and attributed it to old age, but as the year went on things like this were happening more often. Ultimately he was diagnosed with ALS.”
“The ALS Society of BC has offered amazing support to my dad. This fundraising will continue to support ALS patients and their families, provide funds for services and research, and create public awareness of ALS. Thank you for taking the time to join the cause!” says Volpatti.
Support his efforts today by donating at https://www.alsbc.ca/ironman-for-als/
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