June 2 is celebrated as Lou Gehrig Day to honor the life and legacy of one of baseball’s most iconic players, Lou Gehrig.
This special day is dedicated to raising awareness about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig‘s disease, and supporting efforts to find a cure for this devastating neurological disorder.
Who was Lou Gehrig?
Gehrig, born on June 19, 1903, was a legendary first baseman for the New York Yankees during the 1920s and 1930s.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Gehrig‘s incredible skill, durability, and sportsmanship earned him the nickname “The Iron Horse.” He played in a record-setting streak of 2,130 consecutive games, a record that stood for 56 years until it was broken by Cal Ripken Jr. in 1995.
Tragically, Gehrig‘s career was cut short when he was diagnosed with ALS in 1939 at the age of 36. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
The disease gradually robs individuals of their ability to control muscle movement, leading to paralysis and, ultimately, respiratory failure.
Despite his deteriorating health, Gehrig delivered his famous “Luckiest Man” speech on July 4, 1939, expressing his gratitude for his baseball career and bringing awareness to the disease that would soon bear his name.
His battle with ALS
Lou Gehrig‘s courageous battle against ALS and his enduring legacy as both a remarkable athlete and a symbol of strength and grace in the face of adversity led to the establishment of Lou Gehrig Day.
This annual observance aims to increase public awareness of ALS, support research for effective treatments and a cure, and honor those affected by the disease.
On Lou Gehrig Day, baseball teams, fans, and organizations come together to honor Gehrig‘s memory, celebrate his contributions to the sport, and raise funds for ALS research and patient support.
Special ceremonies, events, and fundraisers take place, emphasizing the importance of advancing scientific knowledge and providing assistance to individuals and families impacted by ALS.
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