NFL Playoffs - All Eyes Could Be On ALS

The Ravens made it to the playoffs, and a Raven staff member and former player is a big motivator for that team, and he has ALS. O.J. Brigance needs to be on every news show and sports show hyping the playoffs. When a strapping athlete is cut down by this disease, it speaks volumes about the need for us (and the us grows when a zillion football fans are watching) to figure out the cause and cure.

Should it be of concern that ALS might be an occupational hazard of professional football?

Here are some names (if you know of others, please submit them in the comments and we'll add to the list) --

Eric Scroggins
O.J. Brigance
Glenn Montgomery
Pete Duranko
Peter Demmerle
Steve Smith
Tony Proudfoot (CFL)
Bob Waters
Orlando Thomas
Wally Hilgenberg

This week provides a huge opportunity for some ALS advocacy. A team in the Washington, DC, area is in the playoffs and has a living PALS showing its players the meaning of courage.

Sleepy

P.S. Sleepy also sees a challenge that has plagued ALS advocacy efforts for years. Once a high-profile athlete or celebrity aligns with one of the many ALS not-for-profits for fundraising purposes, for some reason the others seem to drop the awareness opportunities that the athlete can provide on a big stage.

Ok, Packard Center, MDA, ALSA, MND Association, Extra Hands, ALSTDI, and others. Here is an opportunity to spread the word about a startling correlation of NFL players and ALS and a courageous PALS leading his team through the playoffs. The stage is big. It's time to be big enough for a big stage and know what to do with an opportunity... together or indivudually... but don't drop the ball. Just do it. It's not every week when you have a nation glued to the tube like this. We know you didn't plan for a Ravens playoff run in your annual p.r. plans, but you can be nimble and seize the opportunity.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Aretha is singing at the inauguration in January.

Here's an idea. Let's get her to become engaged in the ALS cause and go back to DC in May. We could use her at Advocacy Day because ALS sure gets no respect.

Just a little bit would be an improvement.

David Niven Would Be Proud

From the Orlando Sentinel

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/services/newspaper/printedition/friday/localandstate/orl-landing08dec12,0,664544.story

Pilots Carol Ann Garratt of Ocala and Carol Foy of Texas shattered an around-the-world speed record that had stood for 20 years. They also raised $145,000 for research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease. ... "That mission is accomplished," said Garratt, who spent 18 months planning and $15,000 of her own money on the trip so donations could go to ALS research. "But the ALS mission is ongoing until we find a cure for that disease." ... A flight log and more details on the trip can be found at ALSworldflight.com.

Here's a pic of PALS David Niven in his "Around The World In 80 Days" days. That champagne sure beats Ensure.

Everything Will Be OK

Patrick O'Brien is still hanging on, working hard to finish his documentary. It's such a beautiful story and looks to be an amazing film. He needs all the help he can get to leave a film for his son to know him through. If you think you can help, please visit the Patrick O'Brien Foundation . I am not the only big Fan of this Man. ALS is being documented endlessly with this talented eye veiwing the finder of his wideangle lens. This is truly one serious ALS patient and advocate. It's my hope his dream is realized and thousands more can be touched as I.


The latest message from Patrick:

Hello friends,I have recently been the subject of some wonderful press and wanted to share it with all my supporters. Jason Tomassini from our local paper, the Gazette, did a fabulous piece which ended up on the front page. Thank you to Jason for doing such a wonderful job! The article may be viewed online here .

Shortly after the Gazette article was published, we were contacted by CBS News and got a spot on the local broadcast. Take a look at the segment here .

And finally, after much hard work, the trailer is online for all to see. Sundance may finally be on the horizon...

Thank you all for your continued support!

Love,
Patrick