Michigan Car Buff's Tour along Famed Route 66 to Benefit The ALS Association

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--May 5, 2006--John "J.J." Bouma, Jr. has enjoyed traveling throughout his lifetime, but a trip planned this month in a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette from Grand Rapids, Mich., to Santa Monica, Calif., along historic Route 66 may prove to be unlike any other for this car buff and his traveling companions driving thirteen 2006 Corvettes.

Bouma's journey will draw awareness to ALS -- including his personal fight against the disease.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Bouma Corp., a nationally-recognized commercial construction company, Bouma, 54, was diagnosed with ALS in September 2005 at The University of Michigan and Mayo Clinic. He has the bulbar form of ALS and speaks with the assistance of an augmentative communications device.

Photographer David DeJonge will document the excursion in photos. DeJonge will take photos of Bouma and other ALS patients who reside in the states along the route. The photos from the voyage will be used for a book and a traveling photo exhibit, both of which will raise awareness of the diverse "face of ALS."

Bouma shared his idea with ALSA's West Michigan Chapter's Executive Director, Tom Farley. "J.J.'s Cruise 66 for ALS" will begin at Pal's Diner in Grand Rapids on Thursday, May 18 and finish on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at the Santa Monica Pier. Bouma will present a check to ALSA -- West Michigan Chapter Board of Directors' President Mike Melcher and ALSA President and CEO Gary Leo. Melcher was diagnosed with ALS in 1998.

Bouma, and his wife Pam, have set a goal of raising $66,000 for "J.J.'s Cruise 66 for ALS" through donations.

"I look forward to meeting John at the finish line of this inspiring cross-country trip to increase the visibility of Lou Gehrig's disease," Leo said.

The ALS Association is the only national non-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. ALSA provides research funding, patient and community services, public education and advocacy, and hope to those facing ALS. ALSA's mission is to find a cure for and improve living with ALS.

For more information, visit www.cruise66forals.org.

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