CINCINNATI – Employees from Michelman’s Windhof, Luxembourg, offices recently took part in two physical challenges organized to help develop awareness and raise donations for the European Association against Leukodystrophy (ELA) and for the Royal Wilhelmina Dutch Cancer Society.

Nine Michelman employees participated in a 6km run/walk for the ELA held May 16, 2014, in Verlaine, Belgium. Leukodystrophy is a rare genetic disorder that affects the cells of the brain. Specifically, the diseases affect the myelin sheath, the material that surrounds and protects nerve cells. Damage to this sheath slows down or blocks messages between the brain and the rest of the body. This leads to problems with movement, speaking, vision, hearing and mental and physical development and affects both young and old.

Then on June 5, 2014, Mark Wubbels, Global Marketing Manager, Chemical Specialties at Michelman, and based in the company’s Luxembourg office, took part in a grueling day of cycling called the “Alpe d’Huzes,” which roughly translates as six times the Alpe. Wubbels climbed the Alpe D’Huez – the 11.9km climb between Bourg d’Oisans and Alpe d’Huez, a famous climb often appearing in the Tour de France - six times in one day during this event. The fundraiser event is organized in an effort to raise awareness and funding for cancer research with the motto, “Giving Up Is Not An Option.”

Michelman sponsored all of the participants in support of both events. Said Steve Shifman, President and CEO of Michelman, “I’m extremely proud that our employees step up and take part in these critical fund raising events for causes that are important to all of us. As a company, and as individuals, we’re fortunate to be in a position to support these and many other causes around the globe.”