The first time Michael Birmingham's dad, Greg Birmingham, knew something was wrong was when he went to throw a football.
"We go to almost every Ravens game. We were tailgating and he went to throw the ball, and his arm wouldn't throw it," said Michael.
After a few tests, the results came back and Greg had ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Michael says it was a shock to the family but they faced the challenge head on.
In 2012, the Birminghams participated in the Brigance Brigade Foundation's (BBF) 5.7k race, a fundraiser for the ALS non-profit started by former Ravens player OJ Brigance and his wife Chanda. OJ was diagnosed with ALS in 2007.
A year later, the BBF provided help with in-home care for Greg and a much-needed support system for his family.
"There are a lot of great organizations out there but (the BBF) is the only one that works with ALS families and patients directly," said Michael.
Michael lost his father to ALS in 2015. He is honoring Greg's memory by donating his family's DJ services to the "Soiree with OJ" on October 6 at Valley Mansion in Cockeysville.
You can buy tickets to the event online until midnight October 4. Tickets will also be available at the door.
