Supporters of a beloved Whittier softball coach have started a fundraiser on GoFundMe with hopes of defraying some of the costs to treat his ALS.
Coach Jason Ramirez, head varsity softball coach at California High School, was recently was diagnosed with ALS, which — also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — is a neurodegenerative condition that causes a loss of muscle control and voluntary movement.
After receiving his diagnostic in mid-April, Ramirez continued to coach through the CIF sectionals and state finals.
“You have to,” Ramirez said in late May. “I feel like if I just stayed at home and didn’t do anything, you probably die faster. You’re not doing anything physical, you’re not using your mind. I don’t want to do that.”
The Condors softball team dedicated its season to their coach. Players also wore and sold bracelets imprinted with “Play for J” and would put up “Play4Jay” posters around the field during their games.
Ramirez coached freshman football at California for 15 years before being asked to coach softball – which he has done for the past five years.
Throughout his time with the softball program, Ramirez has created an impact that prompted the team and other community members to want to help their coach as he battles ALS.
SEE: Whittier coach battling ALS appreciates getting more time with his team in regional playoffs
On June 5, a GoFundMe page was created to support him after the season.
“With all the new (medical trials) and treatments and just medical expenses in general, it all adds up and with this fund, we hope to be able to alleviate some of the financial burden,” wrote Gina Aparicio, the creator of the fundraising page.
As of Monday, June 12, the GoFundMe has raised $1,345 of a $5,000 goal.