ALS United Greater New York

You did it - your advocacy matters! The bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act has officially passed the House! It's time for the Senate to pass this crucial legislation to ensure veterans receive the care and support they deserve.

The ALS United Greater New York community gathered last night for the annual Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala, where we honored those who embody the spirit and legacy of Lou Gehrig. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who has been a steadfast ally for ALS research and support, was in attendance to present the prestigious Jacob K. Javits Lifetime Achievement Award to Dan Doctoroff, founder of Target ALS and former NYC Deputy Mayor. For Governor Hochul, the fight against ALS is personal, having lost her mother to the disease in 2014. This year, her advocacy led to a groundbreaking $25 million allocation in the New York State budget to fund ALS research, underscoring her commitment to accelerating advancements in ALS treatment and care. The evening celebrated David Lubars, former Chief Creative Officer of BBDO Worldwide, who received the Champion Award for nearly 20 years of dedication to the ALS cause. We also proudly presented the Lou Gehrig Sports Award to three honorees who exemplify the resilience, strength, and leadership that defined Lou Gehrig’s legacy. Hockey legend Adam Graves, NFL veteran Thomas Morstead, and the iconic Yankees broadcaster John Sterling joined this esteemed group, celebrated for their exceptional achievements on the field and profound contributions beyond it. For all those who joined and contributed, we extend our deepest gratitude. Together, we are one step closer to realizing our vision: a world free from ALS.

On Veterans Day we honor those who have served this country. Unfortunately, Veterans are twice as likely as the general population to receive a diagnosis of ALS. That is why ALS is deemed a service-connected disease, entitling veterans with ALS to special services through the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). Learn more at als-ny.org.

Join us next Tuesday evening, November 12th, at Pier Sixty in NYC. Our honorees exemplify the leadership and strength of character that Lou Gehrig displayed in his personal and professional life. Tickets are available at LouGehrigLegacyGala.org

ALS United Greater New York proudly announces that John Sterling will be presented with one of the three Lou Gehrig Sports Awards at the Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala on November 12th, 2024. John Sterling, New York Yankees radio play-by-play announcer, began his broadcasting career in radio in 1970 where he did play-by-play for the NBA and the NHL covering the New York/New Jersey Nets and the New York Islanders. After his initial stint in New York, John spent nine years in Atlanta hosting a sports call-in show covering the Braves and the Hawks. In 1989, John began his 35-year career as the radio play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees. Known for his resonant tone, signature home run calls, and Yankees victory call (“Ballgame over! The Yankees win … theeeeeee Yankees win!”), he called 5,060 consecutive games from September 1989 to July 2019. By the time of his retirement in April 2024, he had called 5,420 regular-season Yankees games and 211 postseason Yankees games. John has won 12 Emmy Awards during his illustrious broadcasting career. and on Saturday, April 20, 2024, the New York Yankees honored John in a pregame on-field ceremony where he received a video tribute highlighting his best calls and moments from his tenure in the Yankees radio booth, along with video messages from former Yankee greats Paul O'Neill, Bernie Williams, and Derek Jeter. Tickets available at LouGehrigLegacyGala.org

We proudly announce that one of our three Lou Gehrig Sports Awards will be presented to Thomas Morstead at the Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala on November 12th. This award is given to an athlete whose achievements on and off the field exemplify the leadership and strength of character that Lou Gehrig displayed in his personal and professional life. Thomas Morstead, punter for the New York Jets, is a 16-year National Football League veteran (NFL) veteran. He was born in Houston, Texas, and was raised in a nearby suburb of Pearland, Texas. Thomas played college football at Southern Methodist University (SMU). Morstead took over place-kicking and punting chores in 2006, earning All-Conference USA third-team honors. Thomas was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL draft. As a rookie, he recorded 58 punts. He played a role in the Saints' victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV by executing an ambush surprise onside kick to start the second half of the game. Thomas holds the record for most kickoff touchbacks in one game with nine, which he set in a 62–7 victory over the Colts in 2011. In 2023, Thomas signed with the New York Jets and is currently the Team Captain. Thomas is dedicating his 16th season in honor of Steve Gleason, a former New Orleans Saints safety, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Thomas is donating $1,000 for each kick he drops inside the opponent’s 20-yeard line as part of his Punt for ALS campaign. In 2023, Thomas dropped a career-high 36 punts inside the 20-yard line. Tickets are available at LouGehrigLegacyGala.org

ALS United Greater New York is proud to announce that David Lubars will be presented with the CHAMPION AWARD at the Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala on November 12th, 2024, in recognition of his tireless dedication to ALS awareness. David, the newly retired Chief Creative Officer of BBDO Worldwide, has spent the past two decades shaping the world of advertising and creative direction. David's extraordinary creative leadership elevated BBDO to become the most creatively recognized agency globally, earning titles such as Network of the Year at Cannes seven times and being named Cannes Network of the Decade from 2010 to 2020. His personal accolades are equally impressive, with over 600 Cannes Lions, 200 One Show Pencils, and seven Emmy Awards, including three in the last five years. While his professional success is undeniable, it is David’s contributions to nonprofit organizations that truly stand out. Over the years, he has devoted countless hours and resources to supporting causes like ALS United, Autism Speaks, and Sandy Hook Promise, giving these organizations access to the best creative teams and providing them with a platform far beyond their expectations. David’s work has amplified voices that needed to be heard, making a profound impact on advocacy and change-making. Since joining the Board at ALS United Greater New York in 2005, following the heartbreaking loss of a colleague to ALS, David has channeled his exceptional talents toward advancing causes that matter deeply to him, particularly ALS awareness and advocacy. His work has not only touched the lives of patients and their families but also cemented a legacy of hope, courage, and progress in the fight against ALS.

At ALS United Greater New York, we’re more than just a team – we’re your neighbors. Our dedicated staff lives and works right here in the local community, providing compassionate, personalized care to families facing ALS. Being local means we understand the unique needs of our area and can respond quickly with support tailored to you. That’s the power of being local – because caring for our community is personal. Visit als-ny.org to learn more.

We are proud to announce one of our Lou Gehrig Sports Awards will be presented to New York Rangers Legend, Adam Graves at the Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala on November 12th. This award is given to an athlete whose achievements on and off the field exemplify the leadership and strength of character that Lou Gehrig displayed in his personal and professional life. Over his distinguished 16-year NHL career, the left winger played 1,152 games for the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, and San Jose Sharks, and 10 seasons for the New York Rangers, recording 329 goals and 287 assists for a total of 616 points all combined. Graves ranks third in the Rangers’ history for career goals, with 280 points, and is 10th on the club’s all-time scoring list, with 507 points. Graves has been honored with several Rangers team awards, including Most Valuable Player, the Player’s Player Ceil Saidel Memorial Award, and the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award. His #9 jersey was raised to the Madison Square Garden rafters in 2009, joining the ranks of New York Rangers legends. His decade-long tenure with the Rangers was marked not only by his on-ice success but also by his tireless dedication to charitable work in the New York metropolitan area. Since returning to the Rangers organization in 2005, Graves has been actively involved in various youth hockey and fan engagement programs. Throughout his career and beyond, his leadership both on and off the ice has made a lasting impact. Join us on November 12th https://lnkd.in/ekti2iTZ

Join us for The Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala on Tuesday, November 12th in New York City. We will honor Daniel L. Doctoroff, Founder and Chairman of Target ALS, with this year's Jacob K. Javits Lifetime Achievement Award. Having lost both his father and uncle to ALS, Daniel L. Doctoroff founded Target ALS, a transformative biomedical research nonprofit, in 2013 to accelerate the discovery of effective treatments for ALS. In October 2021, Dan himself was diagnosed with ALS. Target ALS has galvanized unprecedented collaborations between academia and the pharma and biotech industry, lowered barriers to access to critical research tools, and become a hub of communication and networking for the worldwide research community, resulting in the launch of seven clinical trials and several dozens of drug discovery programs within last decade. Prior to his diagnosis, Dan was Chairman and CEO of Sidewalk Labs, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bloomberg L.P., and served as Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding for the City of New York. His memoir-manifesto, Greater than Ever: New York’s Big Comeback, chronicled his experience in City Hall. The Economist recently named it one of the four essential books to read to understand New York. Please join us ALSGala.givesmart.com