LA Firefighter ALS story
Eric and Amanda Stevens ALS
Eric Stevens, the former Cal Berkeley and St. Louis Rams fullback turned LA City Firefighter, has indeed become a symbol of the "never give up" spirit since his 2019 ALS diagnosis.
His #axeALS movement has been a catalyst for real-world change, including significant advocacy for the ACT for ALS, which was signed into law in late 2021 to help patients gain access to experimental treatments.
The Grand Prix Go-Kart USA Event
The event you mentioned, the Grand Prix Go-Kart USA, is part of a broader tradition where the Stevens family uses unique, high-energy fundraisers to keep the spotlight on the cause. While they have historically hosted massive events like axeALS Beachfest at the Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach (which includes cornhole tournaments and live music), the inclusion of a "Grand Prix" style karting event aligns perfectly with their mission to:
Mobilize the Brotherhood: Engaging former NFL teammates and fellow first responders in a competitive, public setting.
Commandeer Public Spaces: Bringing the fight to the streets—literally—to ensure the disease isn't hidden away.
Fuel Research & Access: Every lap driven and ticket sold goes toward the staggering costs of ALS care (estimated at $300,000/year) and the foundation’s work to open doors to new therapies.
Why This Matters
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a relentless opponent, and for an athlete like Eric, who was once the "Weightlifter of the Year" at Cal, the transition to life in a wheelchair has been incredibly challenging. However, by turning his personal battle into a national tour, he is ensuring that the "final whistle" hasn't blown yet.
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