In 1941 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis took the life of Yankee legend Lou Gehrig and more than 50 years later it claimed another Yankee, pitcher “Catfish” Hunter.
At the Walk to Defeat ALS in Eisenhower Park on Sunday, Hunter’s teammate Rich “Goose” Gossage was on hand to sign autographs and help raise money for The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter. Attendees lined up to make a $10 donation for a baseball for Gossage to sign.
"I know that all of us have been touched by ALS somewhere in our lives," Gossage said to the crowd of more than 5,000 people who came out to show support for friends and loved ones who have been affected by ALS.
Organizers said that the Long Island Walk to Defeat ALS is the largest fundraiser of its kind in the country.
"We’re glad that the weather agreed with us and that we had a fantastic turnout today," said Kristen Cocoman, the director of marketing and special events for the ALS Association’s Greater New York Chapter. "Last year the Long Island Walk raised just under $600,000 and we’re hoping to top that today."
Even though the walk is over, Cocoman said that people can still contribute. To make a donation to The ALS Association’s Long Island Walk to Defeat ALS, please visit their website at www.alswalks.org.
