Women’s Lacrosse: Buckeyes Walk to Defeat Lou Gehrig’s Disease – Ohio State Buckeyes
10/8/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
COLUMBUS, Ohio On a sunny Sunday morning, the Ohio State women’s lacrosse team walked because they could.
Gathering at Fred Beekman Park on The Ohio State University campus Sept. 28, the Buckeyes participated in the 2008 Walk to Defeat ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a Columbus community event ran by the ALS Association Central and Southern Ohio Chapter.
ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a motor neuron disease that attacks both upper and lower motor neurons, causing degeneration throughout the brain and spinal cord in those affected (ALS Association). As the disease progresses, ALS patients lose their ability to walk and for that reason, the Walk to Defeat ALS slogan is “Walk because you can.”
Lou Gehrig’s disease also is a condition that hits home for junior Buckeye Mallory Mayhew. The Liverpool, N.Y., native has seen its destruction firsthand as her aunt, who was diagnosed in December 2007, bravely battles a disease little is known about.
In support of their teammate, Ohio State joined Kelly’s Krew, a team made up of Mayhew’s aunt’s friends and family members, to raise money for research. So far, Kelly’s Krew already has surpassed its goal of raising $3,000. With $3,970 collected and more donations on the way, Kelly’s Krew has raised the sixth most of 58 teams signed up in the Central and Southern Ohio area.
“I was really surprised to see that many people out at Fred Beekman to support this cause,” Mayhew said. “It was a great walk for our team. It helped welcome our incoming freshmen into our Buckeye family while raising money for an important cause.”
The ALS fundraiser was just one of a handful of events the women’s lacrosse team plans to be involved with this 2008-09 season. With a goal of recording 20 hours of community service, the student-athletes also have joined the Adopt-An-Area program, cleaning up 11th Avenue near Ohio State’s campus. The Buckeyes also volunteer with the 2nd & 7 Foundation, reading to second grade school children on Thursdays and Fridays. In addition, the squad takes turns making baked goods for those staying at the Ronald McDonald House associated with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
