User:Gvanprae/sandbox

Stubborn Buffalo
Stubborn Buffalo is a charitable organization that raises money for research purposes, that looks into curing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.The organization is based out of Windsor-Essex County, Ontario.

It was formed after Adelard Van Praet's diagnosis with ALS.

It is named Stubborn Buffalo because of Adelard's stubborn nature and the Buffalo is the animal symbol for the Van Praet family heritage.

History
In October of 2005 after almost a year of suffering with muscle twitches and unexplained trips and falls, Adelard Van Praet, was diagnosed with ALS.

ALS is short for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It prevents the ability to move, leaving victims paralyzed while there mind is completely unaffected. ALS is a fatal disease.

According to the ALS Society of Canada, between 1,500 and 2,000 people in Canada currently have ALS. Although it most commonly occurs between the ages of 40 and 70, it can also occur in older people, and, although rarely, in teenagers. Approximately 80 per cent of people who have ALS die within two to five years of their diagnosis.

The Stubborn Buffalo organization was founded in 2007 by three siblings, Addie Van Praet, Robert Van Praet and Ryan Van Praet, in memory of their father who lost his battle to ALS.

The organization got its largest boost when the Ice Bucket Challenge surfaced on the Internet. This challenged brought awareness to not only the disease, but the organization as well. The Stubborn Buffalo site was flooded with Ice Buck Challenge videos.

Mission Statement
To assist persons living with ALS and their families while contributing to research that leads to a cure. This organization focuses on the needs of people living with ALS in Windsor, Essex and Chatham Kent. They help to provide equipment to meet the many challenges that ALS can present and support the research of Dr. Michael Strong. http://www.alswindsor.ca/

Dr. Michael Strong, MD,FRCP(c), FAAN, FCAHS

Dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Distinguished University Professor, Western University

Click here to see more of Dr. Strong's work

Training Awards
 * Resident, Neurology, 1984-87, University of Western Ontario
 * Resident, Medicine, 1982-84, University of Western Ontario
 * Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012


 * Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, 2009
 * Distinguished University Professor, University of Western Ontario, 2009
 * Forbes Norris Award, International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations, 2008
 * Fellow, The American Academy of Neurology, 2008
 * Faculty Scholar Award, The University of Western Ontario, July 2006-2008
 * Best Doctors in Canada Listing, 2002 – 2003; 2006-2007; 2007-2008
 * Excellence in Teaching Award, University Student’s Council, University of Western Ontario, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
 * Sheila Essay Award, American Academy of Neurology, April 2005
 * Honorary Life Member, ALS Society of Canada
 * Arthur J. Hudson Chair in ALS Research, 2001-current
 * Hilda Glassman Award for Clinical Management Research, The ALS Association, 1999
 * The Premier’s Research Excellence Award, 1999
 * International Who’s Who of Professionals listing, 1996
 * Medical Research Council of Canada Scholar, 1991-1996
 * CIBA Foundation Symposium Bursary. Aluminum in Biology and Medicine, London, England, 1991
 * Francis McNaughton Memorial Prize for Clinical Research, Canadian Congress of Neurological Sciences, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1991
 * Medical Research Council of Canada Fellowship, 1988-90
 * Health Research Personnel Development Program Fellowship, Ontario Ministry of Health, 1988-89 (declined)

Events
Deer Run Golf Course

The series has 3 annual events held; a spin-a-thon, a golf tournament and a running race. These events are run at various times throughout the year. The goal is to bring awareness to this horrible disease and to help raise money to support its victims.