BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – For the second year in a row, Buckhannon Toyota made a $5,000 donation to support The S.E.T.H. Project, an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) non-profit on a mission to #EndALS.

“We are proud to have been a supporter of The S.E.T.H. Project from the beginning,” stated Kip Cottrill, General Manager of Buckhannon Toyota. “Our donation will allow The S.E.T.H. Project’s scholarship program to expand this year. Giving more graduating seniors the opportunity to advance their education and make improvements in the lives of those battling ALS.”

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. For Seth Poling, S.E.T.H. Project founder, it currently means that he is unable to move any part of his body, other than his eyes. His brain, his thoughts, and his cognitive ability are fully functioning. This means he is literally a prisoner in his own body. Thanks to specialized technology, Seth is able to communicate, drive his wheelchair, and even control the TV using his eyes and a computer. 

“Everyone needs support during the ebbs and flows of life, especially when facing a terminal illness,” Poling said. “Thankfully, today the entire ALS community received extra support from Buckhannon Toyota. The reason for the season hits a little differently for families living with ALS. But even the Grinch’s heart could not resist growing three sizes after hearing about this.”

In addition to Buckhannon Toyota’s donation, The S.E.T.H. Project also received a monetary donation from Number One Auto. 

Winner of Number One Auto’s Christmas Door Decorating Contest, Hannah Suder, elected to donate her winnings to The S.E.T.H project.

“I donated to The S.E.T.H. Project because I’ve seen first hand what ALS does to people and wanted to be part of the change. Also, donating to Seth’s project gave me the opportunity to help someone local,” stated Suder.

Upon hearing this, Shea and Sid Phillips, agreed to match Hannah’s donation.

“Our family has been friends with the Poling family for many, many years. Holt, Mary Alice, Brittany, and Seth have always been the kindest people,” Shea Phillips said. “We think a lot of them. So when Hannah said she wanted her donation to go to help Seth, we didn’t hesitate to double it. Any small part our small, family business can do to help, we will be right there to do it for Seth and his family.”

The S.E.T.H. Project will use these much-needed funds to further its mission of improving the life experience for those diagnosed with ALS. Projects slated for 2023 include doubling scholarship awards to STEM students, advocating for additional ALS research, awareness events such as the ‘I have no quit in me regional CrossFit workout’ and development of digital and print materials to educate the public about ALS. 

“I am grateful to the wonderful people at Buckhannon Toyota, Hannah Suder, Number One Auto and all our donors for their continued love and support,” states Poling. “Remember, we can #EndALS together.”

For more information on The S.E.T.H. Project please visit www.TheSethProject.org or www.facebook.com/TheSETHProject.