New award will honor "Superfans" living with ALS around the country while raising money for ALS research.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Award Named After Golden State Warriors Fan Living with ALS Who Was Honored by Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
The ALS Association today announced the creation of a new award to honor "Superfans," the most passionate sports and entertainment fans who are also living with ALS. The award is inspired by Stephen Kauffman, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2012, and was honored in 2021 by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a Golden State Warriors "Superfan." The ALS Superfan campaign is aiming to raise $1 million with 100% of proceeds going directly to ALS research.
"Stephen Kauffman has shown how being a Superfan can inspire a community and enable someone living with ALS to transcend even the most devastating of diagnoses," said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of the ALS Association. "The Stephen Kauffman ALS Superfan campaign will enable us to honor the most devoted sports and entertainment fans, while generating new funds dedicated to the search for new treatments and cures."
To kick off the campaign, the ALS Association has launched an auction featuring one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia, experiences, and several other items. All proceeds from the auction – which closes at 9 p.m. ET on October 20 -- will go directly to ALS research. You can make a donation or bid on an auction item here.
"I'm honored and grateful for this recognition and glad that the campaign will help fund much-needed ALS research," said Stephen. "I have always been a sports fan and have been lucky to have a front row seat for four Golden State Warriors championships, whether in the arena or at home in front of the television. I'm thankful for all the members of the Warriors staff and community who have supported me over the years."
Added Stephen: "I would love for this award to honor sports fans of all backgrounds who are fighting ALS."
The Golden State Warriors sponsored a private event in the Bay Area honoring Stephen.
Stephen's father Scott is chair of the ALS Association Board of Trustees and serves as a caregiver for Stephen.
"Throughout this horrific journey known as ALS, our family's shared love of the Golden State Warriors has kept us all going," said Scott. "There's no doubt that many other families living with ALS share a similar bond around a favorite team, athlete, or entertainer. We're humbled and grateful that this campaign will honor Stephen while also supporting the urgent work to end ALS."
The first recipient of the Stephen Kauffman ALS Superfan Award will be announced in Spring 2023. Future recipients will be honored on an ongoing basis. If you know of a Superfan who is living with ALS and deserves to be recognized, please email [email protected].
About ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Over the course of the disease, people lose the ability to move, to speak, and eventually, to breathe. On average, it takes about a year before a final ALS diagnosis is made. The disease is always fatal, usually within five years of diagnosis. There is no cure.
About The ALS Association
The ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research in the world. The Association funds global research collaborations, assists people with ALS and their families through its nationwide network of care and certified clinical care centers, and advocates for better public policies for people with ALS. The ALS Association is working to make ALS a livable disease while urgently searching for new treatments and a cure. For more information about The ALS Association, visit our website at http://www.als.org.
Media Contact
Brian Frederick, ALS Association, 1 2024648612, [email protected]
SOURCE ALS Association
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