#United States #Arlington #ALS Association #Aaron Nola #Lou Gehrig Day

Celebrating Lou Gehrig Day with Aaron Nola

The ALS Association is gearing up for the 5th annual Lou Gehrig Day, celebrated across baseball stadiums nationwide on June 2. This significant day honors the legacy of Lou Gehrig, the legendary New York Yankees first baseman who succumbed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) shortly after being diagnosed at the peak of his baseball career. The aim of Lou Gehrig Day is not only to acknowledge his legacy but also to raise awareness about ALS, a devastating disease that currently has no cure.

Lou Gehrig, known for his incredible talent and sportsmanship, played his final game on April 30, 1939. Just two years later, he passed away on June 2, 1941. His story has become a symbol of courage for many, and his fight against ALS continues to inspire efforts to better understand the disease and to work towards finding new treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

The ALS Association will collaborate with various Major League Baseball teams to host events commemorating Lou Gehrig Day, including pre-game ceremonies, special presentations on the field, and, potentially, fundraising initiatives. According to Brian Frederick, the ALS Association’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, “Lou Gehrig Day is an important opportunity to remind baseball fans around the country about the urgent need for a cure for ALS.” He emphasized how, despite the incredible strides made in ALS research and care, much work remains to transform ALS from a fatal diagnosis to one that can be managed effectively.

Among the supporters of this important cause is Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola. For the second year in a row, Nola is partnering with the ALS Association to help raise awareness about ALS and to support research initiatives through the Big League Impact campaign. For each strikeout he makes during the season, Nola pledges to donate $1,500 to the ALS Association. This figure is a significant increase from the previous year’s commitment of $1,000 per strikeout, demonstrating his deepened commitment to raising funds and awareness for ALS in memory of his uncle, Alan Andries, who tragically lost his battle with the disease in 2021.

In recognition of his dedication and tireless advocacy, Aaron Nola was honored with the 2025 Philanthropy Award by the Major League Baseball Players Trust, which awarded a $10,000 grant to the ALS Association in his name. This award reflects his passionate involvement in ALS research and his charitable work supporting veterans.

Larry Falivena, a member of the ALS Association Board of Trustees and a person living with ALS, expressed gratitude to Nola and everyone involved in the fight against the disease, stating, “We may support different teams on the field, but off the field, we are all dedicated to making ALS livable and then curing it.” Falivena highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum in research and care advancements since Lou Gehrig's time, urging community support.

The ALS Association encourages fans, players, and organizations to contribute to the fight against ALS through various local events. They can search for a Lou Gehrig Day game in their community at als.org/4ALS or join Aaron Nola’s campaign to #StrikeOutALS by visiting als.org/strikeoutals.

Lou Gehrig Day not only serves as a reminder of Gehrig’s legacy but also exists as a call to action to remember those who have battled ALS and to honor their stories while working towards a future where ALS no longer takes lives.

Understanding ALS

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition affecting nerve cells in both the brain and spinal cord. Over time, the disease leads to a gradual loss of muscle control, resulting in complete paralysis and death, usually within two to five years after diagnosis. Interestingly, veterans are statistically more likely to develop ALS compared to the general population, though the reasons remain unknown.

About the ALS Association

The ALS Association stands as the largest philanthropic contributor to ALS research on a global scale. It funds international research collaborations, provides care to people living with ALS and their families through a wide network of certified clinical care centers, and advocates for policies benefiting the ALS community. The Association is committed to making ALS a manageable condition while urgently seeking new treatment solutions and cures. For further details about their initiatives, please visit als.org.