EAST STROUDSBURG – In partnership with the ALS Hope Foundation and ALS United Mid-Atlantic, the nationally-ranked East Stroudsburg University softball team is hosting an ALS Awareness Day on Sunday, March 24 in a doubleheader against Shippensburg. First pitches are set for 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Creekview Park in Stroudsburg.
The game was originally scheduled for Saturday against the Raiders, but was pushed back to Sunday due to forecasted inclement weather.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is the wasting away of voluntary muscles. ALS usually starts in the limbs and spreads. It may start in the bulbar area – speaking, chewing, swallowing or breathing muscles. Voluntary muscles that are affected by ALS can be arms, hands, legs, feet, chest, abdomen, back, neck, throat, mouth, tongue and the diaphragm. ALS does not affect the sensory nerves or the involuntary muscles.
ESU junior left fielder Abigail Weirich's father, Billy Weirich, will throw out the first pitch of the doubleheader before game one. Billy was diagnosed with ALS in June 2022.
"This event means the world to me as we can help spread awareness and raise support for those with ALS," said Abigail Weirich of ALS Awareness Day. "Having my teammates, friends and coaches supporting my family and I has helped tremendously. My dad might not be able to do his college cheerleading stunts anymore, but he is still my biggest cheerleader off the field!"
In early 2022, Billy began to experience symptoms of unknown origin. His balance was affected, and his fine motor skills became impaired. After months of medical tests, Billy was diagnosed with ALS.
Within just a matter of 18 months, Billy's everyday activities including just walking have become affected. While so much of Billy's life has been affected by this incurable disease his family and those close to him would tell you what ALS has not taken and cannot take from him is his authenticity, humor, sarcasm, and overall positive outlook on life.
Billy and his strong, courageous, and loving wife have recently moved back to Ohio where they enjoy an extensive network of family to help them through these challenging times. They don't let the seven-hour drive deter them from making it to as many ESU softball games as possible. When they can't make it in person, they always tune in to watch the live stream.
The mission of the ALS Hope Foundation is to make a difference in the lives of people living with ALS through Care, Research and Education.
"Anytime when the community or a team rally around one of their own, for a family living with ALS, it's inspiring and motivating," said ALS Hope Foundation Executive Director Jamey Piggott. "If the ALS Hope Foundation can answer any questions, say thank you to the team and most importantly, let the family know they are not alone in this fight, then we are all in."
For more information on ALS or to donate to the ALS Hope Foundation or the ALS United Mid-Atlantic, visit alshf.org or alsmidatlantic.org,
