About
The ALS Wiffleball Tournament is an official third party fundraiser benefiting The ALS Association. All the proceeds from the tournament are donated directly to The ALS Association, whose mission is to “To discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.” The ALS Association is the only organization is the world working on three separate fronts - advocacy, support, and research - to address the needs of the entire ALS community.
The ALS Wiffleball tournament will create change by raising awareness for ALS. Awareness leads to funds, funds lead to the cure, and the cure will defeat ALS.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. When these cells die, voluntary muscle control and movement dies with them. Patients in the later stages of the disease are totally paralyzed, yet in most cases, their minds remain sharp and alert. Average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2-5 years. It is 100% fatal. There is no known cause or cure. On average, it costs around $200,000 a year to care for someone with ALS. Every day, an average of 15 people are newly diagnosed with ALS — more than 5,600 people per year. As many as 30,000 Americans may currently be affected by ALS. Annually, ALS is responsible for two deaths per 100,000 people. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries. ALS can strike anyone.
The tournament was founded by John Cronin in 2013 after a relative, Michael Brandt, was diagnosed with ALS. That first tournament was held in John’s backyard. After receiving encouragement from Michael and The ALS Association, John decided make this an annual event.
The ALS Wiffleball tournament will create change by raising awareness for ALS. Awareness leads to funds, funds lead to the cure, and the cure will defeat ALS.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. When these cells die, voluntary muscle control and movement dies with them. Patients in the later stages of the disease are totally paralyzed, yet in most cases, their minds remain sharp and alert. Average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2-5 years. It is 100% fatal. There is no known cause or cure. On average, it costs around $200,000 a year to care for someone with ALS. Every day, an average of 15 people are newly diagnosed with ALS — more than 5,600 people per year. As many as 30,000 Americans may currently be affected by ALS. Annually, ALS is responsible for two deaths per 100,000 people. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries. ALS can strike anyone.
The tournament was founded by John Cronin in 2013 after a relative, Michael Brandt, was diagnosed with ALS. That first tournament was held in John’s backyard. After receiving encouragement from Michael and The ALS Association, John decided make this an annual event.
Our Inspirations
Michael Brandt ~ Michael was the initial inspiration behind the fundraiser. His life set the tournament into motion. Michael passed away in January 2014. From the time he was diagnosed in spring 2011, Michael dedicated himself to raising money to support research for a cure and heightening public awareness of the disease. He was honored to present the Lou Gehrig’s speech at Target Field for 3 years. With the support of family, friends, and colleagues around the world, he spearheaded an ALS fundraising campaign that generated over $250,000 in 2 years. Never a complaining word…just motivated to make a difference.
ALS did not stop him from participating in anything...let’s not let anything stop us from making a difference too!
Steve Lufkin ~ Steve was a kind, caring, respectful and considerate man of deep faith. He was a devoted husband and father, and a former teacher at Two Rivers (Henry Sibley) High School. He touched countless lives as a mentor, an advocate, a teammate and a friend. He passed in 2020.
ALS did not stop him from participating in anything...let’s not let anything stop us from making a difference too!
Steve Lufkin ~ Steve was a kind, caring, respectful and considerate man of deep faith. He was a devoted husband and father, and a former teacher at Two Rivers (Henry Sibley) High School. He touched countless lives as a mentor, an advocate, a teammate and a friend. He passed in 2020.
Press Features
Star Tribune
WCCO Radio
Pioneer Press
City Pages (link dead)
Lillie Suburban News
KSTP Channel 5 (link dead)
West St Paul Reader
WCCO Radio
Pioneer Press
City Pages (link dead)
Lillie Suburban News
KSTP Channel 5 (link dead)
West St Paul Reader
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