Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association Hosts 'Drive for the Cure Golf Tournament'

By Darcy Payne

            FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Country legend Vince Gill and sportscaster Rudy Kalis hosted the ALS Association’s "Drive For the Cure Golf Tournament" to defeat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis on April 19 at the Vanderbilt Legend’s Club.

            The Tennessee Chapter of the ALS Association sponsored the seventh annual golf tournament, which drew a determined crowd of dozens from around the state who braved the rain and cold to gather in support of the fundraiser and awareness event for this fatal disease. Ted Bleymaier of Nashville, who was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2012, was honored at the event as Family Chairman. The tournament raised crucial funds for the fight against ALS.

Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leaving patients quadriplegic. There is an average life expectancy of two to five years for a person with ALS and an average cost of care being $200,000 per year. With no known cause or cure, ALS affects the lives of 30,000 Americans currently, with approximately 500 Tennessee patients currently. Every 90 minutes, ALS claims the life of someone in the United States alone.

Participation fees were $250 per golfer and $1,000 for a group of four. The event included a silent auction with signed Predators items, paintings, wine, and much more to support the fundraiser. Major sponsors of the event included UL Puresafety, Andrew’s Cadillac, Permobil, William Morris Endeavor, Mohawk Rubber Sales/Worthwhile Life Foundation, Thompson Machinery, and Robert W. Baird & Co. UL Puresafety CEO President Bill Grana co-chaired the event, along with active ALS patient Ted Bleymaier.

“I wouldn’t know about the ALS Association if it weren’t for my close friend and coworker who died of ALS,” said Grana.

Rudy Kalis also had a close friend diagnosed with ALS, which inspired him to support the association.

“I visited my friend every week for eight years,” said Kalis. “He was 53 pounds when he died. It’s not just a disease to me, this is something I have a deep feeling for.”

To volunteer with the ALS Association, contributing to the driving force behind the cure, there are sign-up opportunities for each chapter level online at http://www.alsa.org/fight-als/volunteer/volunteer-to-support.html, or individuals can contact the local chapter directly at the National Office at (818) 880-9007. Donations are also accepted to help the ALS Association support research to find a cure and provide services to patients and their families.