‘JimmerStrong’ bracelets raise ALS awareness, funds for research

Tim Hortons in Medina hosting bracelet sale May 25 for Medina native battling ALS

Provided photos: Jimmer Szatkowski has on boxing gloves to show he plans to fight ALS, following his diagnosis of the disease.

MEDINA – The Tim Hortons on Maple Ridge Road will be hosting an ALS awareness event on May 25. Andrew Szatkowski will be selling “Team Jimmer” bracelets to raise money for ALS research and trials.

Szatkowski is leading the effort in honor of his brother Jimmer, who was diagnosed with ALS last month. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

Jimmer Szatkowski, 48, is a Medina native. He now lives in the Syracuse area and owns two Chick-fil-A restaurants, with sites in Cicero and Clay.

Jimmer has already raised over $8,000 for ALS with donations through the Tackle ALS website.

“I was  diagnosed with ALS in April 2021,” he writes on his fundraising page for the site. “God is good always, and I am still climbing by his Grace. I accept nothing besides His greatness. I intend to fight this disease and to help a whole lot of people along the way. Please join me in the fight. God Bless, Jimmer#keepgrinding”

Jimmer’s brother Andrew has been active in the community in recent years, raising funds in annual toy drive and helping to send local kids to summer camp.

Andrew works as director of operations at Takeform in Medina. He also is a frequent customer at Tim Hortons. He talked with Joey Fillippelli, who runs the Tim Hortons in Medina and he agreed to host the ALS fundraiser from the site’s parking lot. Tim Hortons will also donate $1 for every $5 bracelet sold that day.

“This is all happening because of people who care,” Szatkowski said today. “It is people helping people. I know we can make an impact as a community.”

Szatkowski will be out early in the morning on May 25 selling the bracelets and expects to be there until 5 p.m.

He has already sold about $700 of the bracelets and heard from several in the community who have lost loved ones to ALS.

Jimmer Szatkowski has set a goal to raise $1 million to help fund research and trials for ALS, which currently doesn’t have a cure.

Andrew Szatkowski will be selling these bracelets and cards for $5 on May 25 outside Tim Hortons in Medina to raise money for ALS research and clinical trials.

The bracelets and cards include a message that May is ALS Awareness Month.

“We have hope that there will be a cure; however ALS research is underfunded,” the card states. “We need funds to make this Cure possible!”

The fundraiser will direct 100 percent of the funds to research, clinical trials and also clinical care at Healey Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The other side of the card includes a Bible verse from Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”