Kats' McConnell joins fight against ALS
October 13, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Nashville Kats News Release
NASHVILLE (Oct. 13, 2005) - Nashville Kats lineman Aaron McConnell, who was selected to the Arena Football League's All-Rookie squad in 2005, will serve as celebrity co-chair for this weekend's Fourth Annual Walk To D'Feet ALS, which benefits research and patient services for those affected by ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
"It is a huge honor to represent such an outstanding organization like the Tennessee Chapter of the ALS Foundation," said McConnell. "In football, we always talk about fighting for our lives out on the field, but these are people that are really and truly fighting for their lives every single day. I want to be on a team like that, that is fighting for life."
The 3.1-mile walk begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, and registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Centennial Park Bandshell. Families will enjoy free refreshments, the entertainment of a balloon artist, a face painter, and special appearances by Nashville's favorite mascots. A silent auction will be ongoing during the Walk. Participants who raise $75 or more will receive a Walk to D'Feet ALS t-shirt.
"We are very excited about Aaron McConnell's involvement with the ALS Association, Tennessee Chapter," said Beth West, the chapter's executive director. "We are honored to have him as our celebrity chair and look forward to a continued relationship with the Nashville Kats in an effort to raise awareness and funds for research to find a cure for ALS."
McConnell was an All-American defensive lineman at Pittsburg State (Kan.), and he had four sacks in an outstanding rookie season with the Kats last year. He is also currently serving as the line coach at Father Ryan High School in Nashville.
"I have a great deal of respect for everyone living with ALS, and I want to do my part to help get a cure," said McConnell.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that strikes another American every 90 minutes. And, every 90 minutes another American dies of ALS. People with ALS lose their ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe; yet in most cases the mind is unaffected. ALS knows no boundaries; it can strike anyone, even the healthiest individuals, at any time, and is typically fatal within two to five years.
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