SAN ANTONIO -- A child's love for their parent can be strong and for one local student, that love has turned into a mission through "Eliza's Champs".
Eliza Nash is a senior at Alamo Heights High School. She raises money for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The reason? Her father, Dub, passed away from ALS back in 2009. He had been afflicted with the disease since Eliza was 16-months-old.
"Throughout the time that he had ALS, was most of my time growing up," Eliza said. "So, it really just motivated me to never give up and be strong in my motives and believe in what I think is right."
Tonight, those motives were put to good use at the first annual "Friends Against ALS Fundraiser" at Tycoon Flats. Friends, family, and supporters were there to help reach Eliza's goal of raising $200,000 for the ALS Association this year. So far, she's raised over $170,000. Tycoon Flats even pitched in by donating 10% of their tab's proceeds.
However, the high school senior isn't done yet. At the end of the month, Eliza's Champs will also be participating in the annual "Walk to Defeat ALS," a walk that also benefits the ALS Association through increased awareness. The group has raised over $600, but still need help reaching their goal of $10,000.
"The ALS community has been a tremendous impact on my life," Eliza said. "They've really shaped the way I see everything and see what I want to do with my life in helping people."
Eliza's efforts haven't gone unnoticed. She's won numerous awards for her fundraising efforts, most recently being named the keynote speaker at the 2010 Children's Bereavement Center gala.
If you would like to donate to Eliza's Champs,
CLICK HERE.
To learn more about the ALS Association,
CLICK HERE.
