June 2 is a date the ALS community circles on the calendar every year.
On Lou Gehrig Day, Major League Baseball pauses to honor one of the game's greatest legends while shining a spotlight on the individuals and families facing Lou Gehrig's disease today.
This year, Live Like Lou once again joined Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and the Permobil Foundation to surprise five families with a custom-Permobil wheelchair and recognize the finalists and nominees for the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award.
Lifelong Royals fan Jack Stanley was surprised with a custom Royals-themed Permobil wheelchair. Jack recently retired after a remarkable 38-year career in education in lola, Kansas, serving as a teacher, coach, counselor, and school administrator. The surprise became even more meaningful when his entire family appeared at the game to celebrate alongside him. Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was honored as a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award recipient.
Ryan Riddick received a custom Mariners-themed wheelchair. Diagnosed with ALS in 2013, Ryan has faced the progression of the disease with determination. After returning to Spokane to be closer to family, accessible housing and assistive technology helped transform his quality of life. Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford was recognized as a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award finalist.
At Daikin Park, Ben Dennis was surprised with a custom Astros-themed wheelchair alongside his family. A devoted husband, father, and new-home sales consultant, Ben continues to inspire those around him through his faith and perseverance following his ALS diagnosis. Astros pitcher Josh Hader, a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award finalist, helped surprise the Dennis family.
In Cincinnati, the focus expanded beyond a single presentation and showcased the power of community. Live Like Lou joined fellow ALS organizations for a pregame gathering before honoring McKenzie Kemper with a $2,250 Onward Award. The scholarship will help McKenzie continue pursuing her education while navigating the realities of ALS within her family.
"Although Dad and I weren't able to make it to the Lou Gehrig game on Tuesday, they honored Dad (and me), and also generously gave me a scholarship that will allow me to tackle more classes and continue racing against the time bomb that is ALS," McKenzie shared.
Reds outfielder T.J. Friedl was recognized as a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award nominee.
Tigers fan Scott Chappell was all smiles as he received a custom Tigers-themed wheelchair. Known for his infectious personality and lifelong work helping others find mobility solutions, Scott continues to inspire everyone around him after his ALS diagnosis in 2020. Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal was honored as a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award finalist.
The celebration continued at Citi Field, where Mets fan Tony Ruela was recognized alongside his family. Since immigrating to the United States in 1969, Tony has built a life rooted in family and gratitude. His outlook, "Don't worry 'bout nothing," reflects the spirit that defines so many in the ALS community. Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was recognized as a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award finalist.
In Pittsburgh, the Tomlinson family was honored. Matthew Tomlinson, diagnosed with ALS in 2024 at just 34 years old, and his family received a $2,500 Live Like Lou Quality-of-Life Grant to help fund a critical bathroom renovation, improving accessibility and safety as Matthew's needs evolve.
Their sons, Adam and James, proudly served as the game's "Play Ball!" announcers in honor of their dad and families affected by ALS. The Tomlinsons have also experienced the impact of Live Like Lou's Connect & Serve program, where volunteers helped complete projects around their home while bringing encouragement and joy to their family.
Lou Gehrig Day's impact stretched far beyond Major League Baseball, as Live Like Lou was a part of seven MiLB Lou Gehrig Day/ALS awareness game activations.
Brothers Lincoln and William Bennett took the field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch in honor of their mother, Sara Bennett, whose legacy as an ALS advocate and community leader continues to inspire others following her passing earlier this year.
At the RoughRiders' ALS Awareness Game, the Mendoza family was honored as Paula, Maria, and Juan Mendoza threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Twelve years ago, Tulio and Virginia Mendoza moved from Venezuela to the United States in pursuit of opportunity and built a life grounded in hard work and determination. An avid runner, Tulio completed marathons in Dallas, Denver, Chicago, and the Netherlands just months before being diagnosed with ALS in March 2025. Throughout his journey, the Mendoza children have demonstrated remarkable resilience.
This year, Maria and Juan were also awarded Live Like Lou Onward Awards to support their educational goals.
Allison Funk received a $17,040 Iron Horse Scholarship as she prepares to study Media and Entertainment Industries at Belmont University, a passion shaped by her experience as a caregiver. At the same event, Yini Li and her team at Purdue University received a $5,000 ALS research grant to advance promising work toward treatments and/or a cure.
Lou Gehrig Day is about more than remembering a legendary player. It is about creating tangible change for families facing ALS right now.
Because of the collective support of Major League Baseball, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, the Permobil Foundation, participating teams, sponsors, and fans, Lou Gehrig Day made a tangible difference in the lives of ALS families.
