Earlier this evening, the Phillies hosted an emotional tribute to honor those affected by ALS during the team’s Third Annual ALS Awareness Night presented by Cytokinetics, which took place before the 6:40 p.m. game against the Detroit Tigers at Citizens Bank Park. The event kicked off a ballpark-wide effort to raise awareness and funds to help those affected by this always-fatal disease.

As a result, $408,000 was raised to benefit The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter, which will be used for much-needed research, care and services for ALS patients. Since the Phillies’ efforts to #StrikeOutALS began in 1984, more than $22 million has been raised for the cause.

“While tonight’s mission was to raise funds for patient care and research, it was also meant to convey a message of hope, to let those affected by ALS know that the Phillies family, along with the MLB community, is behind them every step of the way,” said Phillies Charities, Inc. President John Weber. “We are extremely grateful to the tremendous support from our fans, sponsors, players and front office, who have all helped us in the fight against ALS.”

“Thank you to the Phillies organization, players and fans for once again stepping up to the plate to Strike Out ALS,” said Ellyn Phillips, Board Chair Emeritus with The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter. “Tonight’s Lou Gehrig Day will provide critical resources to ALS families, enhance care programs, and offer hope to end ALS once and for all.”

Fundraising efforts included an ALS Awareness Phillies Theme Night Ticket, Phillies Grab Bags, Phillies Charities, Inc. 50/50 Drawing, and an online Phillies Charities Auction. The club also hosted the recent Phantastic Auction, with part of the proceeds benefitting the cause.

For more information on The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter, visit alsphiladelphia.org.

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.