SAN FRANCISCO, July 24, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The San Francisco Giants and The ALS Association will team up against the Philadelphia Phillies and Lou Gehrig's disease on Sunday August 10, 2003. There will be a pre-game party at 11:05 a.m. prior to game time at 1:05 p.m. There will be a silent auction and giving opportunities throughout the day. All proceeds from this event will benefit Patient and Family Services of The ALS Bay Area Chapter, serving families struggling to cope with a disease that is always fatal.
ALS is a progressive disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and causes muscles throughout the body to weaken. As a result, patients lose the ability to swallow, breathe, walk and talk. The mind is not affected by this disease. ALS can strike anyone, at any age. ALS is commonly referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease" after the famous baseball player who died from it in 1939. Sixty-four years later, there is still no known cause or cure for ALS.
The ALS Association Bay Area Chapter works to provide critical services for patients and their families. Respite care, medical clinic support, resource materials, communication devices for patients and home visits are provided for people suffering with ALS in our community. These services are free to patients and their families and are supported by donations and grants. The Bay Area Chapter serves those in need from Central California to the Oregon Border.
The San Francisco Giants have been an outstanding supporter of The ALS Association Bay Area Chapter and ALS patients and their families. The ALSA Bay Area Chapter depends on donations and local participation in events such as the ALS Day with the SF Giants to support ongoing care efforts for ALS families. Tickets are available through the Association at 140 Geary Street, 4th Floor, S.F., CA 94108, by calling 415-392-2572 or via fax at 415-438-3972 for $55.00 per adult, $40 for children. Sponsorships are available, which include game tickets, pre-game party and autographed SF Giants baseballs. The pre-game party will be held in the Centerfield Scoreboard Reception area. Game and pre-game party tickets are $100.00 per adult, $50.00 for kids and $50.00 for people with ALS and Caregivers. Several SFGiants players will attend the pre-game party as will special guests and ALSA Bay Area representatives, patients and families.