CVS raises $4.4 million for ALS research in three weeks

WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS announced on Friday that it has raised a record-breaking $4.4 million in 21 days through its annual in-store fundraising campaign in June for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. This marked the seventh year of the annual effort which, to date, has raised more than $15 million for ALS research.

The official check presentation will take place prior to the Boston Red Sox vs. Yankees game at Fenway Park Friday evening. Tom Ryan, chairman, president and chief executive officer of CVS Caremark, will participate in the check presentation. Expected to join is Red Sox pitcher Mike Timlin.

“We could not be more thrilled with the support from CVS/pharmacy customers for ALS research this year and for the past several years,” stated Jon Roberts, senior vice president and chief information officer of CVS Caremark. “Our CVS/pharmacy customers demonstrated tremendous generosity in recognizing the need for fundraising for ALS research and we are extremely grateful for their support.”

Roberts served as an honorary co-chair of this year’s fundraising campaign with Jeanne Bouley, a former CVS employee and ALS patient.

ALS is a disorder in which there is progressive degeneration of motor nerves in the brain and spinal cord leading to paralysis and death, typically within three to five years. There is no known cause or cure for ALS, which affects 25,000 Americans, with 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year.