STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- McIntosh High School Girls Lacrosse team rallies around their coach with ALS
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease
- ALS gradually weakens the nerves and muscles, eventually leading to death. There is no cure
- Lacrosse team also raises money for the ALS Association
When McIntosh High School lacrosse player Caitlin Obrien would feel exhausted and defeated during one of her home games in Peachtree City, Georgia, a quick look over to coach Mickey Beard would change her perspective, and her determination.
"He makes you want to do better and push yourself harder and give it your all because if he could, he would be doing that. And he is doing it, because he comes out here in his condition."
Beard uses a wheelchair, the result of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, which is also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a neurodegenerative disease in which the brain progressively loses the ability to control muscle movement. The life expectancy of someone with ALS is on average two to five years, with their condition worsening over that time to a possible full paralysis.
Beard can still hold his head up, breathe and give his girls the advice and sarcasm they expect. His mind is still as sharp and as witty as ever. But it has been difficult for players like Shelby Durden to see his physical decline.
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