Football Family Rallying around Former Cardinal fights ALS

MUNCIE, Ind. -Ball State Football alumni show a true cardinal mentality by gathering around Ball State’s former standout, Kevin “KJ” Kinnee, who receives a cruel illness, ALS. This mindset is reflected in the new 501 (c) (3) form in a form designed to support former teammates with medical expenses and their mental and physical health.

This new entity, Gridiron Brotherhood, will begin its fundraising with a run of Kevin’s Ball State partner Dave Curtin, which runs 180 miles from Northwest Indiana to Scheumann Stadium to raise awareness and make dollars. This comes in conjunction with Ball State Football Alumni Day and the university’s annual family weekend, which culminates in the Cardinals football match on September 25th.

“KJ is one of the best cardinals, and he was a great teammate,” said Kurt Gehrisch, a former cardinal himself who leads the Gridiro Brotherhood. “It’s our turn to be great teammates for KJ during this difficult time, and we invite cardinals everywhere to support our mission and get into the game on September 25.”

The group’s goal is to raise $ 46,000, which will help offset the rising costs it needs to live with ALS, better known by some people as Lou Gehrig’s disease. KJ was number 46 on the cardinal and white. Fans and supporters are encouraged to participate HERE or by purchasing a ticket for a family weekend match against Toledo THIS SPECIAL LINK through which part of the sale will be donated to Gridiro Brotherhood and directly supported by KJ

Curtin, who is currently a student dean of high school in Bremen in southern Chicago, is an ultramarathonist who has used his endurance skills as a good tool. His 180-mile trek does the same for KJ

“This is a fraternity and we want to help our brother KJ, but we also want to support Ball State, a place that is really important to me and all of us,” Curtin said. “I hope many of you will join the run and the stadium so we can raise KJ and then encourage the defensive MAC championship to another win.”

KJ is ready to take advantage of this.

“I always say,‘ smile, it’s contagious, ’” he pointed out. “Be positive every day, be grateful for what you have. Approach every day with a ‘Tiger Eye’ attitude and you’ll be surprised at what you can win! I share the quote: ‘No matter how, if you get hit hard, you’ll get up and keep going ahead. “”

Supporters can stay up-to-date on Curtin’s progress, route, and ways to participate by following the Facebook page HERE.

“We are excited to support the true Cardinal of KJ, and we can’t expect KJ and Dave to receive honorary captains on September 25,” the Ball Ball football coach said. Mike New. “The work done by the Kurt and Gridiron fraternity is impressive. We look forward to getting a bunch of football alumni and their loved ones back on campus.”