Bristol-Warren Community Raises $65,000 For Local Mom with ALS

Turning tragedy into a blessing, thousands from Warren, Bristol and surrounding communities rallied around a local mother struggling to provide for her family after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Nearly people gathered on Burr's Hill last Saturday evening - smiling and rocking out to Neal & The Vipers and Juniper Hill, reported Eastbayri.com.

At a cost of $20 per ticket plus the tallied earnings of donations and a silent auction, A Swift Cause, the foundation, that raises money for Swift and her family, earned more than $65,000.

Since Swift's devastating diagnosis last fall, her motor functions have declined and it is harder for her to get around, but her community has stepped up. 

Friends and family alike have shown their support, organizing fundraisers and establishing a website, www.natalieswiftfoundation.org, to raise donations.

In April, Swift's then 7-year-old son Tommy organized a bake sale - with the help of an aunt - that garnered a total of more than $7,000.

Swift lives in Warren with her husband, a local contractor, and her six children. His sisters said they hope to purchase a modified van so that Swift, her scooter and her large family can all drive around together.