This year, Lou Gehrig Day and ALS Awareness games resonated across Major League Baseball like never before. Thanks to powerful partnerships with the Permobil Foundation and Phi Delta Theta, the Live Like Lou Foundation brought hope and support to families impacted by ALS in nine MLB stadiums. As part of each event, people living with ALS were surprised with custom, team-branded Permobil wheelchairs, honoring Lou Gehrig’s legacy and empowering independence.

Milwaukee Brewers

‍Before the Brewers’ ALS awareness game on April 19, Live Like Lou was honored at Christian Yelich’s third annual Home Plate Charity Concert, which raised over $175,000 with support from the Goo Goo Dolls and The Nicotine Dolls. Executive Director Wendy Faust took the stage to share our mission and the urgent need to support ALS families.
Two nights later, Brewers fan Mike Seitz was surprised on American Family Field.

San Francisco Giants

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The Giants honored Etzael Jimenez by presenting his family with his custom chair. Though Etzael joined via FaceTime and tragically passed away the following morning, his vibrant spirit and the love of his mother and caregivers were deeply felt. Pitcher Tristan Beck, a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award nominee, unveiled the chair in his honor.

Miami Marlins

Edil De Leon received his custom chair in a celebration filled with unity and joy from fans and families alike. A devoted father of three, special education teacher, and retired elite powerlifter, Edil has dedicated his life to supporting children with autism. He once ranked among the top U.S. middleweights, winning four Puerto Rican National Championships. Now facing ALS, he leads with strength, raising awareness, inspiring others, and showing what it means to live with purpose.
As a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award nominee, Declan was allowed to do something meaningful for a local ALS family and honoring Edil was the perfect fit.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Freddie Freeman, a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award finalist, honored Jason Ramirez, a lifelong Los Angeles Dodgers fan and beloved high school coach recently diagnosed with ALS, during the Dodgers’ Lou Gehrig Day ceremony. Jason, who served as the Varsity Head Coach of the softball team at California High School in Whittier, retired last year following his ALS diagnosis. His final season was a remarkable 25-3 run that culminated in reaching the CIF Division 2 Championship, where he was named 2024 State Coach of the Year in recognition of his dedication and leadership. On Lou Gehrig Day at Dodger Stadium, in partnership with Phi Delta Theta and the Permobil Foundation, Freddie Freeman presented Jason with a custom Dodgers-branded Permobil wheelchair, supporting his continued independence and celebrating his legacy both on and off the field.

Kansas City Royals

Sarah Nauser Olsen, a lifelong Royals fan, ALS advocate, and former police officer, was celebrated for her strength and ongoing advocacy. Before retiring, she fulfilled a dream by serving as an officer in the Royals dugout, a moment that sparked a lasting friendship with her childhood hero, George Brett.
The evening also honored Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. as a finalist for the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award.

Chicago White Sox

Kenneth Anthony Moore Sr., a devoted father, artist, and Chicago sports superfan, inspired fans with his humor and faith as he received his new chair. He was joined by Andrew Vaughn, the team’s Gehrig Award nominee.

Atlanta Braves

As a proud UGA grad and member of Georgia’s athletic family, Ben Brandenburg received a Braves-branded wheelchair in an emotional Atlanta ceremony. Chris Sale, a Lou Gehrig Memorial Award winner, was also celebrated, sharing a powerful connection through his family’s own ALS journey. Integrity Medical, our Double-Play Sponsor, helped make this event truly memorable. Boston Red Sox: Fenway’s Gift to Tara Bartlett
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Red Sox fans rallied around Tara Bartlett, gifting her a Red Sox-branded Permobil wheelchair during Lou Gehrig Day at Fenway. With family, friends, and her 101-year-old grandmother cheering her on, Tara’s story highlighted the power of love and determination in the face of adversity.

Pittsburgh Pirates

At the Pirates’ Lou Gehrig Day game, board chair Chris Brussalis presented William Lemmon with an Onward Award and scholarship for his future studies. William, whose father is living with ALS, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Cincinnati Reds

Steve Romberg and his son Olam, visited all 30 MLB stadiums together before ALS changed their journey. Reds nominee Brent helped bring their story full circle with a meaningful celebration of Steve’s creative spirit and love for the game.

Thank You to Our Partners and Community

This year’s Lou Gehrig Day marked nine remarkable activations, each a testament to the impact we can make together. We continue to honor Lou Gehrig's extraordinary example through surprise presentations, new friendships, and moments of inspiration.

Whether you showed up in person, celebrated from home, or cheered for your favorite team, thank you for helping us keep Lou’s spirit alive. The journey with ALS is unpredictable, but with continued gratitude, courage, and partnership, we live like Lou.

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