Old Bobcat teammates join forces to fight ALS
By Dan Farrand
Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 08/12/2008 02:24:28 AM EDT


BROOKFIELD -- John Balzi remembers his friend Keith James when he was at his best.
At Brookfield High, James flew around the football field or the baseball diamond with relative ease.

Now, when Balzi sees James he can no longer fly. In fact, he struggles to walk.

James, a 1989 Brookfield High graduate, was diagnosed with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, 11 months ago.

"I spoke to him recently," Balzi said. "They told him he'd be in a wheelchair in six months. He beat that, but now he has lost the use of his right hand and there a noticeable limp in his step."

But as his former teammate battles for his life, Balzi has picked up his fight as well.

The former Brookfield High football coach is organizing the inaugural Keith James ALS Fundraiser golf tournament for Aug. 22 at Candlewood Valley Country Club.

The money from the tournament and dinner will go to help James pay for his rising medical cost, pay for his two 4-year-old twin daughters' education and to an ALS research fund.

"Short-term, our goal is help Keith get through this as best we can," Balzi said. "Second is to make sure his girls go to college, but I also want to put money toward a general ALS fund."

"We do not want this to be a one-year event," Balzi added. "This is something we want to grow and continue and as it does the goals will change."

Balzi said the golf tournament and dinner are actually filled to capacity. However, he

doesn't want that to deter people from stopping by the Candlewood Valley clubhouse.

James, who is just 34 years old and lives near Orlando, Fla., with his wife Amy and daugthers Cameron and Sidney, will be stopping by from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. During that time, there will be a silent auction and raffle going on which, are open to the public.

For those interested in making donations, contact Peter Brady of the Handy Dandy Handyman organization at peterbrady@hdhm.org or at (203) 740-1243.

Contact Dan Farrand at dfarrand@newstimes.com

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