Glenn Love, CFL Star, Battles ALS with GoFundMe Campaign

Champion of the Gridiron Takes on a New Battle

Former Canadian Football League (CFL) linebacker Glenn Love has embarked on a new journey since he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on July 12, 2024, at the age of 35. Just one day earlier, he celebrated his daughter’s first birthday, making his diagnosis even more poignant.

Love, who was born in Champaign, Illinois, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the significant costs of clinical treatments for his disease. ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventual inability to move, speak, and breathe.

Fighting for Every Day

In a heartfelt post on GoFundMe, Love expressed his undying determination to fight the disease. “It’s a cruel, unrelenting disease that turns your own body against you, attacking your ability to move, speak, eat, and eventually breathe. Doctors say there’s no cure, no definitive cause, and, for most, no hope. But for anyone who knows me, you know giving up has never been an option,” he wrote.

Love has leveraged his experience playing in some of the top CFL teams, including the B.C. Lions, Calgary Stampeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Montreal Alouettes, to build a strong support network. Since his diagnosis, he has been working closely with specialists at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and an ALS Clinic in New Mexico, exploring every possible avenue for treatment.

Despite the lack of definitiveness in treating ALS, Love remains optimistic. “We’re exploring every possible avenue — clinical trials, alternative therapies, regenerative treatments, and supplements. There’s no roadmap for beating ALS, but I’m determined to carve my own path,” he shared.

Clinical Costs Mount

The financial burden of ALS treatments is substantial, with some of Love’s clinical treatments costing $5,000 to $9,000 per month. Insurance does not cover many of the necessary expenses, making fundraising essential.

Within the first week of his campaign, Love raised $52,871 USD. His goal is to raise nearly $200,000 more, an effort that has already garnered support from several current and former CFL players and coaches.

Love’s dedication to fighting ALS has not gone unnoticed. His journey has touched the hearts of many, inspiring support from sports legends and ordinary people alike.

A Career in the CFL

Love’s professional career in football speaks volumes about his skill and determination. Over seven seasons in the CFL, he played for some of the league’s top teams and made significant contributions. His achievements include:

• 98 defensive tackles
• 91 special teams tackles
• 2 sacks
• 2 interceptions
• 2 pass knockdowns
• 2 fumble recoveries

Perhaps the highlight of his career was winning the Grey Cup with the Calgary Stampeders in 2014. Love’s journey from playing in the CFL to battling ALS is a testament to his resilience and perseverance.

Link Between Football and ALS

The connection between football and ALS has come under scrutiny in recent years. A study funded by The ALS Association and conducted by researchers at Harvard University and Boston University’s CTE Center found that NFL players are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ALS than those who never played in the league.

While this study pertains to NFL players, concerns about repetitive head injuries and their impact on the brain have also raised questions about the risk for CFL players. Love’s battle with ALS serves as a powerful reminder of the need for continued research into the effects of football on long-term brain health.

Staying Strong for His Family

In the face of his diagnosis, Love remains focused on his ultimate goal: to be there for his daughter. “Despite the financial and emotional burden, I’m not giving up,” he wrote. “My dream is simple — to watch my daughter grow up, to be there for her first soccer game, her high school graduation, and beyond.”

Love’s unwavering commitment to his family and his fight against ALS is a source of inspiration for many. His story highlights the importance of support and community in battling such a daunting disease.

Join the Effort to Support Glenn Love’s Fight

Glenn Love’s journey is a powerful reminder of the challenges and the resilience required to face a disease like ALS. His GoFundMe campaign is a critical step in his battle against the disease, and your support could make a significant difference in his ability to afford the treatments he needs.

Visit Glenn’s GoFundMe page to make a donation and help him on his fight. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings him one step closer to achieving his dream of being there for his daughter.

Join us in supporting Glenn and spreading awareness about ALS. Share his story on your social media platforms, stay informed about ALS, and lend your support to those who are facing similar challenges. Together, we can make a difference.

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