The first annual Helen’s Heroes Golf Classic, held on June 18 at the Grassy Hill Country Club in Orange, Conn., attracted more than 100 people for golf and banquet and raised more than $7,200 to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS).
“The turnout was amazing and the weather – phenomenal,” said Bob Lukaszek, who coordinated the event in recognition of his sister, who lives with the unpredictable effects of MS. “The community came out in force for not only a great day of golf but for a truly worthy cause.  I want to thank everyone who participated and or partnered with us to raise these funds.  I can’t wait to someday say we’ve now raised over $100,000 for MS research and we’re finding a cure!”
Lukaszek established the classic in honor of his sister Helen Langello, who in 2003 was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system.
The classic benefits the National MS Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter and its mission to end the devastating effects of MS. Funds raised through events, such as the Helen’s Heroes Golf Classic, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter.
“My sister is my best friend and the most resilient, positive person I know,” said Lukaszek, an East Haven resident who works as a printing and direct mail consultant with Harty Integrated Solutions in New Haven. “Like many other families affected by a diagnosis of MS, I want to find a cure – not tomorrow but today.”
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Langello, live with the effects of multiple sclerosis. The cause is unknown, and, as a result, there currently is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
“Mr. Lukaszek did a tremendous job coordinating the golf classic,” said Lisa Gerrol, Greater Connecticut Chapter president. “The funds raised through this event help get us just that much closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis. We are grateful for those like Mr. Lukaszek, who actively join us in the fight against this disease.”
Golf classic sponsors include Harty Integrated Solutions, V.P. Electric, Berkshire Litho, and East Haven Landscape Products. For more information on the 3rd Annual Helen’s Heroes Golf Classic, which will be held on Friday, June 26, 2009, please contact Bob Lukaszek at (203) 623-3757 or e-mail at Bob Lukaszek.  Also, a brand new website is under construction Helensheroes.com.
For more information on multiple sclerosis, its effects and the many ways to become involved, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org.