ALS United Greater New York Hosts 2025 Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala, Raising $1 Million for ALS Care Services 

On November 11 at Pier Sixty, ALS United Greater New York hosted its annual Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala, bringing together supporters, advocates, and leaders in the ALS community for an unforgettable evening of hope and determination. The event raised $1 million—funds that directly support ALS United Greater New York’s mission, providing free services that include the equipment and assistive technology loan program, care coordination and support, transportation to ALS clinics, and much more.  

Each year, the gala honors individuals who embody Lou Gehrig’s legacy. This year’s honorees are making a difference in diverse ways: creating new mental health programs, driving ALS research forward, transforming baseball analytics while raising ALS awareness, and exemplifying sports leadership. Together, they reflect the compassion, determination, and advocacy that Lou Gehrig stood for. 

The evening’s first award was given to Kasper Roet, PhD, CEO and co-founder of QurAlis Corporation, with the Champion Award. As a representative of the future of ALS research, Kasper, a passionate neuroscientist specializing in gene- and stem cell–based precision medicine for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, has a long-standing connection to ALS United Greater New York. In 2015, he was awarded the Milton Safenowitz Postdoctoral Fellowship, funded in part by our organization. 

One of the more moving moments came when Tom Pulley accepted the Jacob K. Javits Lifetime Achievement Award. Diagnosed with ALS in 2024, Mr. Pulley has become a passionate supporter of ALS United Greater New York’s Care Services Program, championing the resources that patients and families urgently need. His award celebrates the launch of the new Tom and Jill Pulley Mental Health and Wellness Program, an innovative initiative providing enhanced mental health services for people living with ALS and their loved ones across the Greater New York area.  

As part of this year’s gala, ALS United Greater New York proudly presented the Lou Gehrig Sports Award to Gerrit Cole, six-time MLB All-Star and 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner. As the Yankees’ ace, Gerrit carries Lou Gehrig’s legacy both on and off the field. Together with his wife Amy, the Coles established the Gerrit and Amy Cole Foundation, supporting youth through education, arts, sports, and healthcare initiatives in New York and beyond. 

Sarah Langs, reporter and researcher for MLB.com, received the Iron Horse Award for her outstanding contributions to baseball and her inspiring presence in the sports community, all while living with ALS since 2021. After joining MLB in 2019 following three and a half years at ESPN, Sarah has become one of the sport’s most respected analytical voices. Known for her infectious love of the game, she has built a devoted following on social media, where she shares her enthusiasm for baseball and the joy it brings. 

Hosted by ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap with awards presented by the legendary Bob Costas, the evening brought together supporters from the sports world, research community, business sector, friends, and family.  

ALS United Greater New York extends its deepest gratitude. Your commitment makes our work possible, enabling us to provide compassionate care today while investing in research that will change tomorrow. 

Together, We End ALS.  

If you were unable to attend, you can support our care services program here.