Celebrating Lou Gehrig Day with the Blue Jays: A Day of Remembrance and Action
- ALS Double Play
- Jun 18, 2024
- 2 min read
On June 2nd, amidst the closures of the DVP and part of the Gardiner, the ALS Double Play team embarked on a memorable journey to Rogers Centre for Lou Gehrig Day in baseball. Joined by our guests Sonia and Debbie, who experienced their first train ride aboard the GO Train, we were eager for a day of baseball and meaningful reflection.
The day commenced in a suite hosted by Akeem from Canurta, where we witnessed an emotional first pitch thrown by a family touched by ALS, honouring their father's memory.
Across Major League Baseball, players donned a number 4 patch on their jerseys, commemorating the legacy of Lou Gehrig, whose battle with ALS — often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease — inspired the annual observance. June, fittingly, marks ALS Awareness Month in Canada, amplifying the significance of our presence at the game.
One of the highlights of our day was meeting Marie and Ian Gowans, whose resilience in the face of ALS resonates deeply with our mission. Ian, a steadfast lover of baseball despite his condition, embodies the spirit of perseverance that defines the ALS community.
This year's Lou Gehrig Day marked the fourth of its kind in MLB history and our inaugural attendance alongside members of our ALS Double Play community. Each MLB team contributed uniquely to the day’s tribute, prompting us to brainstorm ways to enhance its impact. Ideas flowed: from prioritizing accessible seating on the 100 level for ALS families to organizing special giveaways and fundraisers like jersey sales and post-game events such as the iconic ice bucket challenge.
As we reflect on our experience at Rogers Centre, we are inspired by the possibilities to elevate ALS awareness and support. Our thoughts now turn to the Blue Jays front office, where we hope these ideas can turn into future initiatives, making Lou Gehrig Day a beacon of hope and solidarity for those affected by ALS.
Together, let’s continue to raise our voices and rally behind the ALS community, ensuring that every Lou Gehrig Day brings us closer to a future without ALS.
Join us in our journey. Together, we will make ALS history.
I was diagnosed with ALS and had lots of pain in my legs. I unfortunately couldn’t walk and was in a wheelchair. The disease progressed quickly, and there’s been little or no progress in finding reliable medical treatment for this horrible disease. In January this year our family doctor decided I should try alternative treatment as riluzole 50 mg didn’t slow the progression; I agreed and decided to start the ALS/MND protocol offered at UineHealth Centre. It’s been 4 months into the treatment, and the disease is totally under control, with no signs of muscle weakness, muscle pain, or choking when I eat. I recently have been able to walk down our street and back, something which I couldn't do prior…