CVS vs. ALS

I've been holding a grudge against CVS for weeks, thanks to their acquisition of Longs Drugs and recent move to switch all those stores to CVS. I grew up in Hawaii, where Longs is a staple, and thinking about the Longs in my hometown being renamed felt like a punch to the gut. Thankfully, I've come to realize that only in Hawaii, Longs will still retain the Longs moniker.

I'm going to assume that CVS offered that olive branch to Hawaii's Longs, because after reading about all their good work for ALS research, it makes me think CVS is just that kind of organization.

CVS/pharmacy recently announced that, in the span of 21 days, it raised $4.4 million for ALS research. The in-store fundraising campaign, which took place from June 7 to 27 in CVS/pharmacy locations across the country, was the eighth annual campaign. In that time, the company has raised more than $19 million.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, affects 25,000 Americans and has no known cure. The funds that were raised will go to the ALS Therapy Alliance (ATA), which was founded in 2000, to "provide a vehicle for a diverse group of scientists and clinicians to coordinate research" in the fight against ALS. And, fittingly, with Lou Gehrig having been one of the greatest New York Yankees ever, the official check presentation took place before the Yankees' Friday night game against their long-standing rivals, the Boston Red Sox.

Don't worry, CVS. We're cool now. Just keep helping fund ALS research, OK?

Logo courtesy of PRNewsFoto/CVS Caremark Corporation