Honoring Asplundh at ALS United Mid-Atlantic’s Annual Celebration

On November 14, ALS patients, families, and supporters gathered at Live! Casino & Resort for the 2025 ALS United Mid-Atlantic Annual Celebration to honor Asplundh for all they’ve done to support the ALS community since Scott Asplundh’s ALS diagnosis. The afternoon was filled with laughter, tears, inspiring speakers, and hope for a future without ALS. It was an incredible showcase of all the good that is happening in the ALS community, and how United We Can End ALS.

Michael Barkann, from NBC Sports Philadelphia, welcomed guests and emceed the luncheon. ALS United Mid-Atlantic Executive Director, Jeff Cline. recognized the day’s speakers, giving special thanks to Asplundh, and introduced the Philadelphia Phillies to spotlight their commitment to the ALS cause since 1984.

The Philadelphia Phillies spoke of their involvement in the ALS community and presented ALS United Mid-Atlantic with a check of $800,004 for ALS research, care, and support for those living with ALS and their families. The $4 being symbolic of first basemen Lou Gerhig’s baseball number. John Weber, Senior Vice President, Ticket Operations for the Philadelphia Phillies, was honored with a gift from ALS United Mid-Atlantic for all he has done for families in the ALS community. Board Chair Emeritus Ellyn Phillips personally thanked John Weber, and the Philadelphia Phillies Organization, for being incredible partners for over 40 years.

 

Steven Asplundh spoke of his father, Scott Asplundh, who has inspired countless other families through his ongoing battle with ALS. Their company, Asplundh, has become a pillar in the ALS community. They have gone above and beyond in their support of those living with ALS and their families. Asplundh’s contributions have helped provide care, support, and breakthrough research that help improve the lives of those living with ALS every day.

“We bleed orange,” said Steven, citing how devoted they are to their family, employees, and community. ALS United Mid-Atlantic is incredibly grateful for all they have done and continue to do for the ALS community.

Bryan Rosica and his wife, Lisa, captivated everyone with his personal testimony about what it is really like to live with ALS. He shared his personal experiences throughout his journey, and had the audience captivated by his powerful words. While there was not a dry eye in the room, it was also filled with laughter as Brian brought his incredible sense of humor into his inspiring and informative speech.

 

The Phillie Phanatic danced with attendees during lunch while Allie and Eric Brunner helped to announce the raffle winners. Eric is showcasing a special art installation in 2026 called Illuminating ALS.

 

Following lunch, the Flame of Hope Awards for Advocacy, Care, and Research were presented. The Flame of Hope Award for Advocacy was presented to Gary Goldstein. Gary was a caregiver to his late wife, Paula, and since her passing has dedicated his time and energy to volunteering with ALS United Mid-Atlantic and advocating for ALS funding at state and federal levels. Previous Flame of Hope Honorees John and Loretta Russo presented Gary with the award, and the room was again filled with emotion as Gary spoke of his wife and his experiences in the ALS community. Pennsylvania State Representatives Bryan Cutler and Kyle Mullins thanked Gary for his support and advocacy, and the room erupted in applause as they announced that just two days prior, they secured $5 million in funding for neurodegenerative disease research in the state of Pennsylvania – the first time funding has been allocated for such research.

 

The Flame of Hope Award for Care was presented to Kathy Valentino, MSW, by Steve and Debbie Schlossberg. Kathy is a social worker who has devoted her career to helping those living with ALS and their families through her work at the Joan Dancy Foundation in New Jersey. She has made a difference in countless lives, and this award is a testament to the years she has spent working selflessly to care for others and improve their lives.

The Flame of Hope Award for Research was presented to ALS TDI by Stacy and Dan Farber. ALS TDI is the largest drug discovery lab in the world focused solely on finding treatments for ALS. Carol Hamilton accepted the award and spoke of the work that ALS TDI has done since it was founded in 1999. ALS TDI believes that ALS is not an incurable disease, but an underfunded one. ALS United Mid-Atlantic is proud to partner with ALS TDI and hopes that through this partnership we can discover new treatments and, eventually, a cure.

 

Michael Barkann took the stage once more to introduce our incoming Executive Director, Tony Heyl. Tony spoke of his personal connection to ALS – his grandfather, and what led him to ALS United Mid-Atlantic. He spoke of the importance of fundraising for the ALS community and asked guests to leave the event thinking about “tomorrow.”

“I invite you to continue the momentum. Join an ALS United Walk team. Advocate by reaching out to your elected leaders. Share your stories. Donate. Volunteer. A tomorrow without ALS is possible, but only if we all do the work to make it real.”

Tony then introduced United States Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, who spoke of his personal connections to the ALS community and his goals in gaining more funding for ALS research through legislation like ACT for ALS. Senator Coons urged guests to get involved and lobby for more state and federal funding for ALS research and reiterated just how important it is to work together and be involved in this community, to one day have a cure. He then introduced his friends Craig and Kristen Colby, who have become friends with Senator Coons through their years of ALS advocacy.

 

Kristen and Craig Colby then introduced keynote speaker, Jon “Boog” Sciambi. Jon’s connection to ALS is deeply personal. Jon started the nonprofit Project Main St. in 2006 with his childhood friend Tim Sheehy, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2005. Jon has since used his platform to raise awareness for ALS, including hosting the annual “Tim Sheehy Softball Classic” and by participating in Major League Baseball’s Lou Gehrig Day events. He thanked Craig for the warm introduction and promised to continue to use his platform for ALS awareness, hoping one day to have a cure.

ALS United Mid-Atlantic wants to extend our deepest thanks and gratitude to all the attendees, speakers, supporters, and our honoree, Asplundh, for not only a beautiful event, but for supporting those living with ALS and their families year after year. We would not be able to offer the support, care, and research opportunities we do without all of you. As we close out 2025, we are looking forward to another year of real people providing real help in 2026. We know that United we can End ALS.