With the obvious baseball connection, and my involvement with the local ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter, it was a natural and very beneficial fit to feature people dealing with this fatal disease, and show the courage and hope surrounding them and their stories. It allowed us to enlighten viewers about ALS and fundraising efforts as well.

Here are just 4 of the many stories that aired on Channel 4. Some of the PALS (persons with ALS) have passed on, but their stories are a testament to how they lived their lives in the face of ALS, much like Lou Gehrig did in his time.

For more on the ALS Association visit www.ALSASD.org

The post Lou Gehrig’s Disease — Stories from the Soul appeared first on Jane Mitchell One on One.

For a decade, the Chapter has had a positive relationship with the San Diego Padres. It began as  an annual outing with several PALS (person with ALS) and family and friends tailgating at Qualcomm Stadium or picnicking atop the Western Metal Supply building at PETCO Park and then attending a game.

It evolved into ALS Night at PETCO Park in the summer of 2006 with the Padres recognizing our Chapter during the pre-game ceremony, and later as part of a larger effort  begun in 2009 by Major League Baseball to heighten ALS awareness. What glorious moments those were for PALS standing along the first base line to hear the crowd cheer for them: courageous men and women battling the dreadful disease that claimed the life of baseball great Lou Gehrig.

Gratefully, because of my relationship with the team as a reporter at the former Padres’ TV partner, Channel 4 San Diego, for 15 years, the Padres Community Relations staff and several players took a special interest in our Chapter’s cause. Some players had a direct connection by knowing someone with ALS. Others just knew of Gehrig’s powerful story. Either way, the connection and compassion provided opportunities to go down on the field during batting practice so PALS and a caregiver could experience that ritual and routine. Former Padres on that list include Mark Loretta, Scott Linebrink, Randy Wolf, Scott Hairston, Nick Hundley and Chief Grounds-crewman Luke Yoder. To watch them genuinely interact with our PALS, and allow me to tell the ALS story for television through that newfound friendship, was heartwarming and encouraging.

My father, a 30-year Navy man and survivor of three wars, died of ALS in 1994. It is in his honor and for his legacy that I have been a volunteer board member of the Chapter from its inception in 2002.  On behalf of our Chapter, I offer my thanks and gratitude to the game, the Padres organization and players who embraced our national mission to not only Strike Out ALS and increase awareness of the disease, but to also make a special memory for those PALS, their families and volunteers who, every day – even in their struggles – are inspired by hope and faith, and in turn, inspire and give us hope.

The post Lou Gehrig, Gratitude and the Game… Through the Years with the San Diego Padres appeared first on Jane Mitchell One on One.

My father died of this in 1994. It’s an awful disease. But, a silver lining? My family and I had two and a half years with him, and I had a conversation with him the night before he died. He cared, he loved, he contributed, he taught, he left a legacy of compassion and honor both as a 3-time war veteran and as a father.

October 21st — what would have been my dad’s 93rd birthday — the Greater San Diego Chapter of the ALS Association gathers for the 12th year for the Walk to Defeat ALS. It’s a day of hope, enlightenment and encouragement. UCSD, where there’s an ALS clinic and the hub of research, will be there along with some 100 teams of families and friends of those afflicted with ALS.

Join me as part of my team Wally’s Walkers, or form your own team. Either way, visit our site and spread the word, please. We need you.

The post Walk to Defeat ALS San Diego PSA — “Happy Birthday Dad” 2012 appeared first on Jane Mitchell One on One.

Emails can deliver every degree of news: good, bad, or a compliment, criticism, and sometimes an inquiry that changes or enhances a life. That happened in the late spring of 2010. I had met Mike Ramirez and Greg Sacks at the ALS Association’s Golf Classic fundraiser and soon after received an email request from them: Could I help them — two grown men, best friends, and baseball nuts — get down on the Padres field to do anything, just to be there? It was part of Mike’s Bucket List. He had been diagnosed with the fatal Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I could make that happen but I wanted to do a story on the experience for our pre-game show.

With the help of the Padres head groundskeeper, Luke Yoder, the guys were on the field pulling hoses and pushing rakes.   Mike needed to take a few breaks, as his body wasn’t as robust as before, but he was happy to be there and share his story.

Watch the two segments on this page to see their experience and hear from their hearts. Take note of Mike’s conviction to live life every day, to make his bucket list, and check things off. I helped my own father do this some twenty years ago when he had the same diagnosis. It’s amazing how fulfilling it can be to follow through with such lists, dreams and requests.

Here’s Part 1

After the stories aired, Mike sent me an email. I included it in my book, page 638, but here is part of it to ponder.

“Jane, Saying thank you doesn’t even come close to telling you how much I appreciate the story you and Channel 4 did last night on Greg and me. I am humbled and honored to be featured in such a professional and moving production… I feel strongly God wants me to use my resources to raise awareness of ALS and raise money to help find a cure. I know He has been working through you as well… Last night’s segment, and part two to follow, will go a long way to fulfilling that mission. It has been a year since I was diagnosed and I have had the opportunity to focus and recognize the many blessings in my life, like family and friends… Peace, your friend, Michael.”

Mike passed away in April 2012, surrounded by his family and friends. I attended his memorial service – a packed Catholic church in Encinitas complete with tributes, faith, and Santana songs, his favorite artist. The gathering acknowledged his admirable character and celebrated the life of a man who embraced every moment of his time here. A message at the service: for us ALL to remember to make the most of every day. Life is a gift, and it’s up to us to unwrap it, share, and give back.

A toast at the reception underscored something his friends valued, too. Mike didn’t just say, “Let’s get together for dinner sometime.” He picked the restaurant, ordered the limo and told the invited guests to be ready — they were going to dinner that night! It’s a snapshot of Mike’s gift and legacy: having a Bucket List… and acting on his To Do List… nurturing friendships, included.

For more on Mike’s story and ALS awareness, get Jane’s book on KINDLE or at the One on One STORE on this site.

Here’s Part 2

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