K-ALS

Yesterday I felt grateful to get my 2009 baseball madness into full swing.  It was a hot day at the minors as the boys of summer sharpened their skills.  The fans were practicing their player chants while hoping those choice tickets would deliver that perfect foul ball.  At the end of the game I imagined everything was in black and white as the two teams shook hands.  Then I visualized the MVP called the "Iron Horse" approaching a lone microphone at home plate while silencing his fans.  Lou Gehrig was saying goodbye to baseball as well as his friends for the last time. His ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) diagnoses was kept secret from the public until his passing.

This July 4th, at ballparks around the country, ceremonies will be held in honor of the 70th Anniversary of Mr. Gehrig's "Luckiest Man" speech.  His speech will be read during the baseball games that day and funds will be raised to help find a cure of Lou Gehrig's Disease.  ALS  is a horrible, horrible disease that strikes people in the prime of their lives with no warning.  And today it is a death sentence for thousands.  Life expectancy of a person is 3 to 5 years on average after they have a diagnosis.  I received my diagnosis about 4 years ago, another day truly seen in black and white.  So please, if you find yourself in a ballpark, watching a game on America's Birthday, be as generous as you can when asked to contribute.  We can "Strike Out ALS".

Mr. Gehrig received the honor 60 years after his death by receiving more votes than anyone else in Major League Baseball's All-Century Team.  This honor was voted upon by the fans of baseball.  A testament to Mr. Gehrig's greatness.  

K-ALS