‘Zumbathon’ in Nashua benefits ALS research

NASHUA – More than a 100 local fitness dancers are expected to Zumba their way to raising money to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s “Augie’s Quest” on Saturday, March 31. Best Fitness is participating in a nationwide commitment to help find treatments and cures for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Membership manager Scott Fournier said the “United We Dance to Cure ALS Zumbathon” is the latest in community initiatives in which Best Fitness is involved. The club has collaborated with St. Joseph Hospital for the Lighten Up Nashua weight loss program and “is always on the lookout for ways to be a good neighbor,” he said. Zumba, a high-energy, Latin-inspired, dance-fitness program, is popular at Best Fitness, and the upcoming event offers a way to harness that enthusiasm into helping a good cause. The participation fee is a $10 donation. The event will run from 8 a.m.-noon at Best Fitness, 55 Northeastern Blvd., and is open to members and nonmembers who wish to lend their support. An open house/breakfast session will be held from 8-9 a.m., followed by Zumba. A Facebook page has been created to publicize the event at www.facebook.com/events/253453858068172. “We expect to have a family affected by ALS at the event,” Fournier said. “The local MDA chapter will have an informational table to help educate the community about ALS.” Lou Gehrig’s disease was named after the famed ballplayer who was diagnosed with ALS, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.