Anyone Else Love Someone Who Has ALS?
Our new guy Jeff Kurkjian got devastating news last summer and wants to now share it with XTU Nation. From Jeff: In the summer of 2021, our family got devastating news…
Our new guy Jeff Kurkjian got devastating news last summer and wants to now share it with XTU Nation.
From Jeff:
In the summer of 2021, our family got devastating news that Matt Kurkjian, my dad's brother and my uncle, was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. According to ALS.org, here's more info about this awful disease.
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their demise.
When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. When voluntary muscle action is progressively affected, people may lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe.
That's the technical definition about what is happening to my uncle but seeing it all go down is devastating. He's an absolute fighter so I'm not surprised at all that his condition isn't moving AS quickly as some others. The disease affect people differently, he's fighting but it isn't easy.
For our family, this hasn't been easy but through a network of amazing groups and people, we have been able to educate ourselves and meet others going through similar struggles.
After coming to terms with the news, my dad, ESPN's Tim Kurkjian, came to Las Vegas (where I was living at the time) to do a very special event to raise money for the ALS Association of Southern Nevada.
You can watch the video above, baseball fans you're going to want to watch the whole thing! We raised over $3,000 for the amazing cause. We have worked closely with The ALS Association in order to raise awareness, connect families and help people with their medical expenses. Here's more about their organization
Established in 1985, The ALS Association is the only national nonprofit organization fighting ALS on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.
Finally, I want you to meet to my uncle.
Jeff is the newest member of The Andie Summers Show! He and his wife moved from Las Vegas to Philly the first week of July. You can follow Jeff on Twitter or Instagram to get an inside on his life OR you can just read these ten fast facts!
1) Jeff Was Raised In Montgomery County, Maryland
Guess which one is Jeff??
Yes, different Montgomery County! Jeff was born in Dallas, Texas (hence the love for country music) but his family quickly relocated to Maryland. A proud graduate of Quince Orchard High School, Jeff grew up in the small town of Darnestown, MD!
2) Jeff JUST Got Married
How beautiful is that bride?
On April 30th, 2022, Jeff and his wife, Emily, tied the knot in Las Vegas!
3) Jeff Has An Amazing Dog!
Look at that FACE!
Pirate just turned 11-years-old, Jeff and Emily rescued him when he was 8-years-old. He's a mix between quite a few breeds including American Staffordshire Terrier, Bulldog and Great Dane!
4) Jeff's Dad Is ESPN's Tim Kurkjian
Baseball fans UNITE! Jeff is part of quite the baseball family.
5) Jeff Rides A Scooter To Work
With gas prices like they are, why not scooter to work?? He lives so close!!!
6) Jeff Graduated From Syracuse University
He studied Broadcast Journalism and Political Science in the snowiest city in America, Syracuse, New York. His older sister, Kelly, also went to Syracuse.
7) Jeff Is An Uncle and Godfather
Jeff's sister had a beautiful baby boy in January of 2021 and she asked him to be the Godfather. Watch the video above by clicking over on the photo, you will cry.
8) Jeff Started An A Cappella Group In College
9) Jeff's First Date With His Wife Was A George Strait Concert
Jeff took Emily (they met on Tinder) on their first date to see The KING of Country Music, George Strait. That had the chance to meet Ashley McBride before the show, she was opening up for him.
10) Jeff Once Rode In A U.S. Navy Blue Angel
Watch the video above!! It was one of the coolest experiences EVER!
Emily Jeff and Matt Kurkjian
[Jeff Kurkjian] via BMG PhiladelphiaEmily and Matt Kurkjian
[Jeff Kurkjian] via BMG PhiladelphiaJohnny Bench With The Kurkjians
[Jeff Kurkjian] via BMG PhiladelphiaJeff's Nephew's Baptism
[Jeff Kurkjian] via BMG PhiladelphiaTim, Matt and Andy Kurkjian
[Jeff Kurkjian] via BMG PhiladelphiaJeff and Uncle Matt
[Jeff Kurkjian] via BMG PhiladelphiaThe Kurkjian's At Jeff's Sister's Wedding
[Jeff Kurkjian] via BMG PhiladelphiaSix Kurkjian Boys
[Jeff Kurkjian] via BMG Philadelphia
