We, as a people, I think, have a sense of pride in our hometowns. The little suburb of Kansas City, where I live (Liberty, MO)... is a wonderful place.. but, 'the claim to fame' in it's 250 year existence... "Home of the US's first, daylight bank robbery" (Gee thanks Jesse James)....
Our big neighbor, Kansas City, of course is known for Jazz, BBQ, Fountains, and, sadly, too many that have heard the diagnosis "You have ALS." The Lou Gerhig's Disease.. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
40+ years ago, Tom Watson, George Brett and many others, arranged the very first charity golf tourney for their buddies who heard that diagnosis, and fought that damned disease. (George's best friend, Keith Worthington... Tom's caddy Bruce Edwards, and friend to both, Joe McGuff, Sport's Editor of the KC Star. It continues annually.
A brief intro into today's Star..........
I am Sarah Nauser, living with ALS. I was born and raised in Blue Springs, a suburb of Kansas City. i began playing ball as soon as I could and throughout my childhood I grew up on the ball fields. If I wasn't playing, I was the bat girl for my older siblings' teams.
Naturally, I had to have love for my hometown team. That love only grew as I got older. I would not miss an opening day for anything, including school. As a teenager I dreamed of becoming a police officer. I wanted to be the police officer who had the privilege to work the Royals games while standing in the Royals dugout.
Shortly after my diagnosis, that dream came true. I worked my last shift in my police uniform in the Royals dugout. That night I met George Brett and Salvador Perez. George promised to be by my side while I fought ALS, and he has kept his promise.
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Now, some eight years later, Sarah has become one of the Royals most high profile and loyal fans, beloved by players come and gone. Royals players, her heroes, now call her their hero.
She is a passionate voice for ALS patients who believes that life can be awesome even when it doesn't go the way we want. Last season, the organization gifted Nauser, who breathes with the assistance from a ventilator, a custom Royals wheelchair on MLB's Lou Gehrig Day. She got to go to Spring Training to watch this years team. Well, she's ready. More than ready.
A few days ago, she posted an emotional message to the team on Instagram, encouraging players to look up into the stands at the fans who, like her, draw strength from them. She ended it with "love, Sarah."
It's way more important, not to mention moving, than anything I could write here, so, thank you for your patience and continued reading. Included in a KC Star article by Lisa Gutierrez:
"Dear Royals, A new season brings many things. A fresh start. A born again hope and a renewed fight. I''m Sarah Nauser and for the last eight years I've been in a fight against ALS, or, as some know it, Lou Gehrig's disease.
But just like Lou said back in 1939, I might have been given a bad break, but I have an awful lot to live for. I live for my family and friends, others in the fight against ALS, and, I live for Royals Baseball.
This organization has rallied around me and supported me in ways I never could have dreamed of. You all have provided encouragement which has lifted my spirit, fueled my determination and reminded me that I'm never alone in this fight.
For me, what you guys go out and do every day during the season is an outlet. It's my escape from this dreadful disease. I get to forget about ALS and just enjoy Royals baseball.
It's so much more than just a game to me and to so many Royals fans. I tell you this because I want you to truly feel the purpose in the game you get to play.
Purpose is what fuels perseverance. It's what carries me through my journey and will get you through slumps, injuries, setbacks and the long exhausting days of the season when the grind feels overwhelming.
I hope you take a moment to look up into the stands at all of us every game and remember this: you matter. You are someone's inspiration. You are heroes in the eyes of children who dream of wearing that uniform one day.
You are a source of hope for people like me who find strength, joy and escape in the game you play.
Because of you i am reminded life is still beautiful, that joy is still possible and every day is worth fighting for.
You have lifted me up, given me courage and helped my fight in a battle I was once told I could not win. But I am winning. Each and every day. Because I am still here.
It is truly one of the greatest honors in my life to cheer for this team. So today and every day this season, go out there and fight.
Fight like a Royal.
Love, Sarah.
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