SALEM — Deputy Chief Joel Dolan is pleased to share that members of the Salem Police Department attended a fundraiser recently for Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a brain disorder that damages myelin, which acts as a barrier that protects and surrounds the brain’s neurons.
The fundraiser, Grady’s Gladiators Best Day Ever, was held at Searles Caslte in Windham on Sunday, Aug. 25, and raised funds for ALD research and and bone marrow transplants at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event was organized primarily by Jillian Smith, the mother of a local 8-year-old boy, Grady, who has ALD.
The fundraiser included a Touch-a-Truck event, as well as a cornhole tournament, food, raffles, music and more. Officer Brian Lawrence attended the fundraiser, as well as Juvenile Detective Michael Geha.
“Everyone really came together to support this event and raise money for ALD research on Sunday, and it was such a fun, positive day,” Officer Lawrence said. “It’s always a pleasure to get to know our community, show kids the cruiser and motorcycle, talk about law enforcement, share safety tips and support a good cause.”
Children at the event had the opportunity to sit inside the Salem Police Department’s breast cancer awareness cruiser, and also to sit on top of a Salem Police motorcycle. Officer Lawrence and Juvenile Detective Geha also handed out Salem Police and safety themed stickers, pencils and coloring books, and at-home kits for safely disposing of unwanted or expired drugs were also available for parents and guardians.
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