Approximately 6,000 people are diagnosed with ALS each year in the United States. Unfortunately, roughly as many people are diagnosed each year as die from it. Once diagnosed, life expectancy is usually two to five years and ALS is considered 100 percent fatal. The Live Like Lou Foundation strives to create and connect communities to stimulate emerging ALS research and uniquely support families affected by Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The Phi Delta Theta fraternity at Emporia State University is working to support the Live Like Lou Foundation by hosting the 3rd Annual Love Like Lou Benefit Gala. The event will occur at 5:30 p.m. on March 1 at the Clint Bowyer Building on the Lyon County Fairgrounds.
“Our guests will be treated to a meal, informational speakers, live music from the Phi Delt Jazz Band and a silent auction,” Chris Peine, Phi Delta Theta member said.
Supporting those with ALS is a cause that is important to Phi Delta Theta.
“One of our famous alumni is Lou Gehrig who died of ALS, as most people know, so our headquarters helped start the Live Like Lou Foundation to support ALS research in honor of Lou Gerhig,” Peine said.
The Live Like Lou Foundation provides support for ALS families, helps fund ALS research and raises awareness for ALS.
“Our objective with Live Like Lou’s brand was to represent what Lou Gehrig stood for in the face of an ALS diagnosis and what each of our ALS families stands for—courage, never giving up, expressing gratitude to those in our lives, and leaving a legacy of determination,” the Live Like Lou objective statement reads.
The Love Like Lou Benefit Gala will serve as a way to raise funds for the organization and raise awareness for ALS. In addition to the silent auction, an informational speaker will share their experiences with ALS and share information about ALS and how others can help those who have been diagnosed.
“The speaker we have coming is our Province President Anthony St. Clair,” Peine said. “He oversees a lot of the Phi Delt Chapters in Kansas.”
Tickets for the benefit gala can be purchased online at https://livelikelou.crowdchange.co/46172. Tickets cost $20 for students and $30 for general admission. For those who would like to skip the meal and just attend for the speakers, auction and music tickets are $5 for students and $15 for general admission.
