THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — ALS has affected so many individuals, loved ones, and families. One such family, with Cal Lutheran ties, was determined to, and has made, an impact.
Lauren Heller, a recent graduate and former Regals volleyball student-athlete, lost her dad, Kevin, to ALS in January of 2021. It has been a whirlwind for Lauren and her family ever since.
Lauren's ALS Association – Napa Valley Ride page | Follow Give 'Em Heller on Instagram
"It's been a year and a half since I lost my dad and there's not a day that goes by where I don't think about him or wish this whole thing never happened," Heller said. "Nothing's been easy and there's been a lot of milestones that he's missed which adds to the pain of it all - my brother graduating high school, swearing into the US Naval Academy, his first collegiate water polo game, being there for my senior night or last volleyball game, finishing school a semester early or seeing me walk across the stage at graduation."
With ALS Awareness Month being May, Lou Gehrig Day on June 2nd, and the Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS on Sept. 24, your turn to help is now.
Kevin and his family, as well as many families, came together for the very-first Lou Gehrig Day in 2021. The day featured a special moment with a video reciting part of Gehrig's famous "Luckiest Man" retirement speech. The video happened with the help of Project Euphonia, a Google Research team focused on helping people with atypical speech be better understood.
"I think people probably looked at my dad funny when he said 'ALS was a blessing' but if you listen to Lou Gehrig's famous speech, you'll see what he meant," said Heller. "I can't think of many diseases worse than ALS but there's no community that's stronger, more resilient or optimistic than the ALS community. In the Google commercial they released last year, you'll see Steve Gleason, former Saints legend, speaking with Google's Project Euphonia - a technology my dad had the privilege of using for a speech as well. And even though this technology won't cure ALS, it brings it to attention- something ALS needs more of.
"Despite the pain and absence of my dad my family and I feel on our tough days, we are surrounded by the love and support of family, friends and all the ALS organizations who join us in our fight. It has been beyond inspiring to create these special bonds and friendships with incredible people. Although we all wish we didn't have to be bonded this way, we know that it is only together, we will defeat ALS. Everyone's actions and role leading up to the first annual Lou Gehrig Day last year was crucial. My parents and the entire committee were dedicated to making this happen."
On top of Lou Gehrig Day, the Heller family became a big supporter of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Pete Frates, who played baseball at Boston College, was one of the co-founders of the Ice Bucket Challenge. The Heller family really pushed the button and continued to help grow the challenge.
Kevin also spoke at baseball player, Brandon Crawford's, golf tournament. Using the software, Project Euphonia, it took 500-plus voice recordings and created his own voice, one that was consistent and natural.
Heller developed www.giveemheller.org, a source for fundraising on behalf of the ALS Association. Participating in the Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS, Kevin and his #GiveEmHeller team raised the most money in the event's 15-year history, topping $156,000.
"I think a lot of our initial motivation to join the fight against ALS stemmed from the support of the ALS Association," Heller said. "We were introduced to the Golden West team right after my dad was diagnosed. Of course they were all great people, but it was an organization we dreaded being a part of - and they understood that. They mourned with my family after we received the diagnosis and my dad being my dad immediately asked 'what's next? What can I do?' And my family created #GiveEmHeller. What started as a team name for an event, turned into a mantra worth living by."
Lauren is a Team Captain for Give 'Em Heller, and the team will participate in the Napa Valley Ride on September 24.
"I am already so grateful to the entire Cal Lutheran community for all that they've done to support me, my family and our fight," Heller said. "Last year, I was lost for words with gratitude for the friends, teammates, coaches and faculty at Cal Lutheran who donated to my Aces for ALS and helped me raise over $13,000 in 2 days for the ALS Association's Napa Valley Ride. I'm honored that they have invited me to kick off the ride and give the start line speech, just as my father did at the last in-person event in 2019. I hope you will join me in Napa for the event this year or continue to support the fight against ALS. Lastly, a note to my dad above - Even though I know you're with me always, I still miss you every day. I love you and I just want to make you proud. #GiveEmHeller."
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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director
