'Best Day Ever' Held In Windham

WINDHAM, NH — Local emergency officials, including Windham firefighters and Salem police officers, were among the participants in Grady's Gladiators Best Day Ever, a fundraiser held in Windham last month. The event is named after 8-year-old Grady Smith, a Salem boy who has Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a brain disorder that damages myelin, which acts as a barrier that protects and surrounds the brain's neurons. "Best Day Ever" raised funds toward ALD research and bone marrow transplants at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The fundraiser, held at Searles Castle in Windham on Aug. 25, included a touch-a-truck event, a cornhole tournament, food, raffles, music and more. Among those in attendance were Salem Police Officer Brian Lawrence and Salem Juvenile Detective Michael Geha and Windham firefighter Pat Robertson.

"Everyone really came together to support this event and raise money for ALD research on Sunday, and it was such a fun, positive day," said Lawrence. "It's always a pleasure to get to know out community, show kids the cruiser and motorcycle, talk about law enforcement, share safety tips and support a good cause."

The children at the event were able to sit inside Salem's breast cancer awareness cruiser and on top of the Salem police motorcycle. Police also handed out safety-themed stickers, pencils and coloring books. They also handed out at-home kits to parents and guardians for safety disposing unwanted or expired drugs.

Best Day Ever was primarily organized by Grady's mother, Jillian Smith.