Tennis Teams to Walk for ALS
4/30/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
April 30, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The men's and women's tennis teams will be taking part in the Walk to Defeat ALS Saturday, May 2 to help raise awareness for this disease that has personally affected them. This will be the third year in a row the teams have taken part in this annual event.
"My family and I have been affected by ALS as my Dad lost his courageous battle to this disease in January," said head coach Jenny Mainz. "He inspired all of us with his uplifting spirit and incredible attitude. He fought valiantly for over three years and taught all of us so much about suffering. I'm convinced that our women's tennis team fought this battle with my family these past couple of years, and I am grateful for their enduring support."
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a fatal disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurons and causes degeneration throughout the brain and spinal cord. ALS patients are usually given a life expectancy of two to five years from the time of diagnosis. There is currently no known cause of the disease.
"I am touched by our men's and women's tennis team support of ALS," added Mainz. "Their giving spirit and moral support to all of those affected by ALS is promising. Shelley Godwin has taken the ball and run with it in leading our team called BAMA TENNIS VS. ALS. She and her family have been a true source of strength and hope."
The walk check-in will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Quad. For more information including registration information and stories about the disease visit ALSAlabama.org or click here.
Players Mentioned
