Students raise funds for MS awareness

  Friday, October 28, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

All Professor Troy Comeau knew was that he had instructed his Freshman Experience class to develop a service project. What he soon discovered was that his instruction would turn into more than just a class assignment.

The service project his students developed was a fundraiser to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that affects 2.5 million people worldwide and 400,000 in the United States. Comeau’s wife, Lorie, was diagnosed with MS in December 2000.

“Dr. Comeau has already made such an impact our lives, and we wanted to do this service project as a way of supporting him, his wife and everyone affected by MS,” said freshman communication major Libby Frazier, one of the project leaders. 

Upon learning of his students’ project, the usually chatty Comeau didn’t know what to say.

“It’s really hard to put into words how much this means to me and my family,” Comeau said. “Just to know that the students took this on as a show of support for Lorie is absolutely heartwarming.”

The students have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the Mid-America Multiple Sclerosis Society. Their original goal was $500, but an outpouring of support proved that they could aim much higher.

“Within two days, we were over $300,” Frazier said. “That’s incredible, and we’re so very grateful. Our goal now is $750. Hopefully we can raise much more than that and continue to increase the goal. But no matter how much we raise, every dollar counts.”

To help raise awareness of the fundraiser, the students will sell cookies at the Pitt State volleyball matches on Oct. 28 and 29 at John Lance Arena.