June is ALS awareness month in Canada and on June 2 we celebrate Lou Gehrig Day in MLB.
ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ALS is also often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
Who was Lou Gehrig?
Gehrig was an American professional baseball player who played first base. He was renowned for his prowess as a hitter and for his durability, which earned him his nickname "the Iron Horse". He is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. ALS forced him to retire at age 36, and claimed his life two years later. Gehrig retired from baseball on July 4, 1939, with "the luckiest man on the face of the earth," speech. The world lost Lou 2 years later on June 2, 1941.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. ALS attacks cells in the brain and spinal cord that are needed to keep muscles moving, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
Most people who become sick with ALS, lose their battle within 18 months to five years.
There is no cure for ALS today. Everyone who becomes sick with ALS will die.
Anyone in the world can become sick with ALS. It is not contagious.
5-10% of ALS cases are inherited and are referred to as familial ALS. All other cases of ALS are considered sporadic.
Why June 2?
In March 2021, Major League Baseball declared June 2 henceforth to be Lou Gehrig Day. June 2 was chosen because it is the anniversary of when Gehrig became the Yankees' starting first baseman in 1925 and when he died in 1941.
The focus of Lou Gehrig Day is on three pillars: remembering the legacy of Gehrig and all those lost to the disease that bears his name, raising awareness and funds for research of ALS and supporting the needs of the ALS Community, and celebrating the groups and individuals who have led the pursuit for cures.
Each home club will display “4-ALS” logos in its ballpark on June 2, while all players, managers and coaches will wear a special “Lou Gehrig Day” patch on their uniforms.
What can you do to help?
Donate: Help researchers continue heir work so that we are able to find effective treatment or a cure.
Participate in our Intentional Walk for ALS on Saturday, June 10. Join hundreds of people who believe in making ALS history. Fundraise and walk for a cure. If you cannot attend our walk, consider participating in our other events.
Share our story or the stories of thousands more who live with ALS each day in Canada.
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