Since learning he had ALS, O.J. Brigance has done all he can to raise awareness and money to help find a cure.
This spring, Brigance and his wife Chanda, founders of the Brigance Brigade foundation, will add another event to their mission. On April 5, the Brigance Brigade will host a 5.7-kilometer family fun run to help the cause. Proceeds for the event will go toward the foundation's services, which includes helping those with ALS cope with the disease, as well as helping them gain access to certain equipment and facilities.
"Chanda and I are excited to host the first-ever Brigance Brigade Foundation 5.7K Run," said O.J. Brigance in a press release. "Our goal is create a fun, family friendly event for our community to enjoy while supporting a good cause and raising awareness for a terrible disease affecting people across the country. The city of Baltimore has always been extremely supportive, and we hope to see the community come out in full force to support our mission of helping to improve the lives of those living with ALS."
The distance for the 5.7K race was chosen to commemorate Brigance's former jersey number, which was 57.
The race will take place in the Canton neighborhood of Baltimore and begin on 8 a.m. Registration fees for all three events are as follows: 5.7K race — $40, 1-mile run/walk — $20, kid's fun run — $10.
Brigance is the Ravens' senior adviser to player development and was a member on the 2000 team that won the Super Bowl XXXV title. He was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gherig's Disease, in 2007.