December 2nd, 2004 was a mild, sunny day as Hillary Carlson went surfing near the Point Judith lighthouse. She and her husband Scott surfed there on their first date years before. Hillary paddled out on Scott’s first surfboard, a Peter Pan Slug, the product of local surfing legend Peter Pan. As she finished her last ride and walked along the shore, up drove Peter Pan. Hillary showed him Scott’s board and explained why she was surfing that day. Her husband Scott had died the same day a year before, at just 39.

“This is the place that’s breaking. Best surfing is right here”, Peter told her. “You and Scott must have had some pretty good rides.” Scott was diagnosed with ALS after he and Hillary met. They married in spite of his diagnosis. During the short time they were together, she truly lived up to the term “primary caregiver”. Earlier that same morning Hillary had chaired an ALS meeting, planning a road race to benefit victims of ALS. The committee organizing the 5th annual Scott Carlson Memorial Road Race knew Scott had died the previous year. When the meeting ended, Hillary told them why she chose that particular day to meet.

People knew Scott Carlson as the athlete who surfed and competed in triathlons, the engineer, the computer guru and the outstanding guitarist. They pictured his strong body alongside hundreds of people at the starting line of the race that now honors his life.

Scott’s strong frame shrunk to less than half its size as ALS took its tole. The curse and blessing of this disease, which has no cure, is how it leaves a victim’s mind unaffected. As Scott’s body withered his mind grew stronger. While he was still able to visit schools, he inspired students, saying he was aware ALS would eventually defeat his body but he wouldn’t allow it to defeat his mind or his spirit. “Use the resources you have”, he told them, “Don’t waste time feeling sorry if your skills or talents are less than others”. “My body is going to shrivel, but I’m not quitting life”.

In his final days, Scott could only generate a slight wiggle in one finger. With that small motion he used his computer – a way to stay in touch with his friends, family and the world.

A large part of Scott’s legacy is the race that is now held in his name. The course is a scenic loop through Goddard Park in Warwick, RI. All money raised goes to the RI Chapter of the ALS Association to aid ALS victims and their families.

Before Scott died, it was the “Adversity Leads to Success” race, Scott’s own twist on the acronymn “ALS.” His spirit is symbolized in the logo he created – a turtle with wings riding a surfboard.

Once the race became well established, Scott told Hillary she shouldn’t stay so involved after his death because ALS had already taken so much from her. However, his “Adversity Leads to Success” philosophy caught on and they changed their minds – Hillary continues to lend her support to the cause that helps ALS victims and their families.

ALS took Scott, but it didn’t take away Scott’s spirit – the spirit he used to bring this race to life.

Important Features for 2008 Race

$1000 General Prize Money
The Carlson Challenge up to $500 bonus for breaking the course record
Team Prizes
Kids Fun Run on the Beach prior to race
Many pre and post race activities, demonstrations and diversions

****PLEASE NOTE****
THIS SITE IS A TEMPORARY INFORMATIONAL SITE WHILE TEAMALS.ORG UNDERGOES REDESIGN

Dear Friends:

We are very happy to present the sponsorship opportunities for the 8th annual East Greenwich Rotary/ALS 5K Race/Walk, to be held on April 26, 2008. Our race is now known as the Scott Carlson Memorial Road Race with all proceeds directly benefiting local Rhode Islanders who are struggling with ALS.

We are offering many different race sponsorship opportunities again this year. We have a number of monetary levels of support, most of which automatically entitle you to be recognized on our T-Shirt and possibly in all print advertising for the race.

We hope to make this eighth year more successful than ever. We have restructured the sponsorship levels to increase the visibility of our sponsors and to enable us to increase the money directly benefiting our many local ALS patients and families.

Also this year as a sponsor you have the opportunity to display your merchandise or services at our race. You must provide the display and due to State regulations no commerce can be transacted. It is a wonderful opportunity for hundreds of racers, families and park visitors to see you and your company.

All of the proceeds from the race go to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association, Rhode Island Chapter. This local chapter intimately supports the victims, families and caregivers of ALS through their many avenues of medical, financial, family resource, and equipment donation outreach.

Please review this package of information. Pay close attention to the newest article by the ALSRI executive director Nancy Feroldi who gives meaning to our passion to fight ALS. We also have a page detailing the Sponsorship Opportunities and what you can expect to receive for your monetary donation. You will see that the visibility afforded to you through race sponsorship will be known to a wide variety of people throughout Rhode Island and New England.

Finally, there is a Sponsorship Form that you can fill out and return as indicated. We ask that you inform us by February 15th (or sooner please!) regarding your support this year.

Thank you in advance for your support of this year’s race!