November 12th Event to Compete to Cure ALS on behalf of the Brigance Brigade Foundation
Rock Lacrosse will hold its 3rd annual Big12 Fall Lacrosse Invitational on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Blandair Park Columbia, Maryland. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Brigance Brigade Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that supports people battling ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) and their families, created by former NFL player O.J. Brigance and his wife Chanda.
As one of the top club lacrosse teams in the country, Rock Lacrosse’s Director, Kevin Mayer, established the Big12 Fall Invitational to provide high school freshmen, sophomore and junior teams a competitive fall tournament experience – combining Elite level competition, NCAA DI, DII, DIII evaluation, and recruiting exposure for the team/players participating. The tournament brings a much-needed awareness to ALS as the Brigance Brigade Foundation, whose mission is to equip, encourage and empower people living with ALS, will be Rock Lacrosse’s charitable partner for the event.
Brigance Brigade Foundation creator, O.J. Brigance, is a retired CFL and NFL player and current Senior Advisor to Player Engagement for the Baltimore Ravens. He was diagnosed with ALS 10 years ago, in 2007. Since that day, O.J. has been inspiring people with ALS across the country by courageously fighting his own battle while helping others in his situation. Never losing his passion and determination to live life to the fullest, O.J. works to overcome adversities using three key words: faith, focus and fortitude.
“The Brigance Brigade Foundation is grateful to again work with Rock Lacrosse to raise funds and awareness for people battling ALS,” said O.J. Brigance, Co-Founder of the Brigance Brigade Foundation. “Kevin and his team have been wonderful partners and we look forward to seeing the kids come out and have a blast playing their favorite sport, while also doing their part to help families in need in their community.”
In 2016, the Big 12 Fall Lacrosse Invitational raised over $17,000 for the Brigance Brigade Foundation, a total that organizers hope to surpass this year. The battle against ALS holds a special place in Coach Mayer's heart. Frank "Lynn" Mayer, Kevin's father, passed away from ALS in 2001. During Mr. Mayer's battle with the disease, the support garnered – outside of medical attention – had a definitive and significant impact on the quality of his life and the Mayer family during his remaining years.
“Being able to combine two things I am truly passionate about is a blessing, and I am proud to continue to support the Brigance Brigade Foundation through a lacrosse tournament that opens up doors for high school players,” said Kevin Mayer, Director of Rock Lacrosse. “My father’s battle with ALS is still so fresh in my mind and I know how much support and services, like those provided by the Foundation, mean to families in that situation.”
Big12 Lacrosse Summer Invitational is an invitational event. If a team or individual is interested in participating, a contact form can be filled out at www.big12lacrosse-events.com. Those willing to offer support to the Brigance Brigade Foundation can visit www.brigancebrigade.org and when donating, enter ‘Big12’ into the comment box within the link/donation area.
About Rock Lacrosse: http://www.rocklacrosse.net.
About the Brigance Brigade Foundation: www.brigancebrigade.org.
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