Rose’s Garden: a sunflower tribute for ALS research

A Huron County farm grows “Rose’s Garden” sunflower field in honour of their employee battling ALS. CTV London’s Scott Miller reports.

Rose Shaddock and her family are soaking up the yellow glow of thousands of sunflowers planted in Rose’s honour.

“I grew sunflowers every year, and had a contest with a neighbour, so this makes me very happy,” says Rose, through her interpretive voice device.

Rose lost the use of her voice, shortly after being diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, last year.

Since 1998, Shaddock worked for Claussen Farms near Brucefield as a financial coordinator, but over time, she became more than just someone who helped with their books.

“She became a friend to the family and she’s very close to us, and she has done a lot for us, and this mean disease is really devastating. We really didn’t know what else to do to help her and support her,” says Sonke Claussen of Claussen Farms.

So, the Claussen’s created Rose’s Garden on their farm. More than an acre of sunflowers for people to come and pick and take pictures with, as a fundraiser for the ALS Society of Canada.

“It’s really nice seeing all the cars stopping by and getting out and really picking flowers. Sometimes I let them know, please also pick some. Just don’t be shy and enjoy them. You know, sunflowers just make you smile,” says Anne Claussen of Claussen Farms.

The field of sunflowers in her name was more than Rose could have asked for from the Claussens, who hold a special place in her heart, as well.

“It means a lot to me for ALS research, too. We just did a walk and raised $8,000. And this just makes it better. The Claussen’s mean so much to me,” said Shaddock.

Donations from the sunflower field have been flowing in, surpassing the $2,000 the Claussen’s will match, for a minimum donation in Rose’s honour, of more than $4,000 to the ALS Society of Canada.

“People have been donating which is really nice to see, and also, just the messages that we’ve been getting online, it’s very heartwarming and very touching. People [are] telling their stories about how they have a relative with ALS. It’s been overwhelming but in a good way,” says Rike Stoltenberg, of Claussen Farms.

Rose’s Garden can be found on the Claussen’s farm at 76402 Airport Ln. near Brucefield, in Huron County.