Phillies Family to continue mission to raise funds & awareness for ALS patients at Monday’s ALS Awareness Night presented by Cytokinetics

For almost four decades, the Phillies have teamed up with The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter to #StrikeOutALS, raising over $21 million in funds for patient services and research, along with awareness for the cause. On Monday, June 5, the club’s longtime efforts will continue during ALS Awareness Night presented by Cytokinetics, where they will recognize Lou Gehrig Day and aim to beat last year’s record of raising $344,000 to help those battling this always-fatal disease. Note: MLB’s league-wide Lou Gehrig Day will be on June 2.

The team will honor the legacy of Lou Gehrig, as well as the tireless work of The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter and its Board Chair Emeritus Ellyn Phillips, who lost her husband to ALS in 1984.

“The mission to strike out ALS is a very important one to the Phillies,” said Phillies Charities, Inc. President John Weber. “For almost four decades, we have had the honor and privilege of meeting so many brave individuals who courageously battled this horrible disease. Through this event, we hope to do all that we can to help families affected by ALS, as we join MLB in the league-wide initiative.”

“Since 1984, the Philadelphia Phillies have led the fight to Strike Out ALS and to honor the legacy of Lou Gehrig,” said Phillips. “This money raised by the Phillies organization and their fans will directly benefit vital care programs for ALS families and get us closer to a cure. Thank you to the Phillies for your unparalleled commitment to the ALS cause.”

PHILLIES ALS AWARENESS NIGHT PRESENTED BY CYTOKINETICS HIGHLIGHTS

-- Starting at 6:15 p.m., there will be an on-field tribute that will recognize several patients who are battling ALS:

• Eric Brunner, 36, a huge Phillies fan and season ticket holder who lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Allie and 6-year-old son, Logan; Eric proudly attended World Series games in 2008, 2009 and 2022.
• John Metts, 62, has five children and lives in Darby, Pa., with his wife, Anethia, and was a former councilman in Delaware County.
• Holly Tomkovicz, 54, lives in Yardley, Pa., with her husband, Mark, and has three children: Hannah, Willow and Daniel. All are big supporters of the The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter and the Walk to Defeat ALS Philadelphia.

Also taking part will be ESPN Senior Writer Tim Kurkjian, whose brother has ALS, and who reached out to the Phillies to help bring awareness to the cause. In addition, Cytokinetics will make a $5,000 contribution to The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter, as well as donate a ceremonial first pitch and their suite to ALS patients.

• There will be a ceremonial base change by patient Stephanie Kemezis, 44, and her three children, Brayden, Tyler and Avery, at the end of the third inning. A resident of North Wales, Pa., Stephanie was a teacher before her diagnosis.
• ALS patients and their caregivers will dance with the Phillie Phanatic at the end of the fifth and seventh innings, and Phillies alumni will visit their suite during the game.
• An ALS Awareness Phillies Theme Night Ticket presented by Cytokinetics for the June 5 game is available for fans, with $4 per ticket going back to the cause.
• Phillies Grab Bags, which include autographed Phillies memorabilia and giveaways, will be available to purchase for $30 each at the First Base and Third Base entrance plazas.
• Fans can participate in the Phillies Charities, Inc. 50/50 Drawing, with proceeds benefiting The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter.
• Unique memorabilia and experiences are available to bid online at Phillies.com/lougehrigauction through June 5. Proceeds benefit The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter.
• Fans coming to the game will receive an ALS Awareness Night commemorative handout, highlighting The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter cause.

ABOUT THE ALS ASSOCATION GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER

For more than 40 years, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter has worked to improve the quality of life for people with ALS by supporting vital ALS research and direct care services to patients and their families, as well as engaging in advocacy at the state and federal levels. They serve more than 1,200 people each year and cover a broad service area that encompasses eastern and central Pennsylvania, central and southern New Jersey, and all of Delaware.

ABOUT ALS

ALS is a fatal, neurodegenerative disease that can strike anyone at any time. People with ALS lose the ability to control their muscles, which affects their ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. There are an estimated 20,000-30,000 people living with ALS. There is no significant treatment to extend life or cure ALS, but there are currently several potential treatments in late-stage clinical trials.

ABOUT LOU GEHRIG

Affectionately known as the “Iron Horse,” Lou Gehrig is one of the greatest players in all of baseball history. On June 2, 1925, Gehrig became the Yankees’ starting first baseman on his way to his legendary streak of 2,130 consecutive games played, which ended on April 30, 1939, and would stand for more than 60 years. Gehrig’s career is highlighted with two American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, a Triple Crown, six World Series championships, seven All-Star appearances and the 1934 batting title. His farewell speech to the baseball world on July 4, 1939, amid the struggles of a debilitating disease, displayed the humanity and grace that has become synonymous with his legacy. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in December 1939. Gehrig succumbed to ALS on June 2, 1941.