THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — On Friday and Saturday, California Lutheran University women's volleyball is hosting their first annual ALS awareness game, Aces for ALS. It is in honor of student-athlete, Lauren Heller's father, Kevin Heller, who passed away in January of this year.
Anyone can sponsor a player, or the team, by donating any amount of money, for every score by a service ace during these two games. All amounts are appreciated. All donations will be raised in Kevin's honor and will support the mission of the Golden West Chapter of The ALS Association. This means, that for every ace scored by the Regals during the two contests, donations will be made.
Donate Here | Show Support with Aces for ALS - Website
"My dad, Kevin Heller, was diagnosed with this horrible disease in July of 2019," said Heller. "After a tough 18-month battle, he passed away in January 2021 at 59 years old. My dad inspired everyone he met with his love for life, fearlessness, and had a never give up attitude."
Kevin was a beloved son, bother, husband and father. He was a Christian, Army veteran and a West Point graduate. After he was diagnosed with ALS, Kevin devoted himself to the ALS Association Golden-West Chapter's Napa Valley Ride and became the top fundraiser two-times in a row as well as an active committee member for the ride. His passion for life, and his fight with ALS, also inspired the tag-line, GiveEmHeller.
"I am honored to begin an annual ALS campaign in the name and memory of Kevin Heller," said Cal Lutheran women's volleyball head coach Kellee Roesel. "I consider him one of the greatest - father, husband and friend of Cal Lutheran volleyball – that I have ever encountered. His memory will live on through this campaign."
The name #GiveEmHeller and message behind it was created by a collection of people who were moved by Kevin's never give up attitude. It has now become a well-known message to those who knew him. The message lives on in all of those who loved him by wearing a red bracelet with "#GiveEmHeller" written in white. #GiveEmHeller can also be seen on the sleeve of the team's warm-ups and it acts as a reminder to never give up and stay strong. You can follow GiveEmHeller on Instagram and Facebook.
On top of fundraising, Kevin advocated for ALS on a national level. He and his wife Lesley were on the national committee for the first annual MLB-wide Lou Gehrig Day on June 2, 2021. He worked with many professional baseball players and their families to imitate this new holiday. He was honored for his efforts at the Giant's home field, Oracle Park, as well as Lou Gehrig's home, Yankee Stadium.
Here are some of the many ways he advocated for ALS and was honored:
- Hero Award Ceremony
- Nicki Tetherow tribute to Kevin
- Cal Lutheran Volleyball Ice Bucket Challenge
- 2020 Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS
- National ALS Association
- InMenlo Hero Award
- Elevation Award Speech
"I want the world to know about my dad and his story," said Heller. "I want people to live like he did as he lived every day by his faith in Christ, glass-half-full attitude and never gave up, no matter how hard life got. He is the definition of #GiveEmHeller."
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