ALS Association Upstate New York Chapter, Bisons to pay Tribute to Our Military Heroes on July 21

The ALS Association Upstate New York Chapter is teaming up with the Buffalo Bisons to honor people living with Lou Gehrig's Disease and the men and women of our armed services during the team's home game against the Toledo Mud Hens on July 21st at 1:05 p.m. at Coca-Cola Field.

"We are proud to partner with the Buffalo Bisons as the team hosts a Tribute to Our Military Heroes," said Chapter Executive Director, Kathy Lahey. "Baseball and ALS have been connected ever since Lou Gehrig stood on the field at Yankee Stadium in 1939 and declared that 'Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth.' But, how many people know that ALS is striking our military heroes at twice the rate as the general public? This event is a perfect way not only to raise awareness of the impact ALS has on our community, but also to say thank you to all those who are serving our country."

The Tribute to Our Military Heroes Game will help raise awareness of Lou Gehrig's Disease. The Chapter and team will use this opportunity to promote the National ALS Registry, a nationwide research project that may help scientists learn what causes ALS, why veterans are at greater risk and ultimately help find a treatment for ALS, which is fatal in an average of just two to five years.

The Tribute to Our Military Heroes will include a number of activities:
-The first 500 fans entering the ballpark will receive camouflage colored ALS Registry foam baseballs.
-Persons diagnosed with ALS who attend the game and register onsite with chapter personnel will receive a $10 gift card for ballpark snacks.
-Honorary Person with ALS Albert Weech to throw out the first pitch.

"The teamwork between The ALS Association Upstate New York Chapter and the Buffalo Bisons will let more people know about Lou Gehrig's Disease and its impact on our military heroes," said Lahey. "But this event is about more than just raising awareness; it can help us fight this disease by promoting the ALS Registry. The registry may provide the answers to why veterans get ALS and help us do something about it but first we must ensure they know about the registry."

Tickets can be purchased at www.alsaupstateny.org by CLICKING HERE! Tickets are $10 with $5 of every ticket sold coming back to The ALS Association Upstate New York Chapter. On July 21st, please look for The ALS Association's table near the Will-Call window where you will be able to pick up your tickets. If you have any questions about purchasing your ticket, please call our office at 866-499-7257.

About the ALS Association
The ALS Association is an official Charity Partner of Minor League Baseball. The mission of The Association is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig's Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. For more information or to learn about local services, visit www.alsupstateny.org. To learn more about the Tribute to Our Military Heroes campaign, visit www.alsa.org/StrikeOutALS.