Special Report: Schilling Striking Out ALS

For Schilling, being able to pitch in the World Series is a medical miracle. But off the mound, he has dedicated his life to help find a medical miracle for ALS. A paralyzing disease that can strike anyone and there's no cure.

It's hard to understand Jason from Somerville. But his message speaks volumes...Curt Schilling is his hero.

That's because last night Schilling took Jason's message to the mound.

On Schilling's cleat it says "K" ALS, which means strike out ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Curt Schilling, Red Sox Pitcher
"This season I will be pitching for the Red Sox and for the Massachusetts ALS Association. we want you to join Curt's pitch and help us strike out ALS.

ALS is a motor neuron disease. There is no cure and it can strike anyone, usually between the ages of 40-60.

At 33 -- Jason is a young victim of this paralyzing disease. He's been living with it for more than 7 years.

Scott Edelstein, ALS Assoc. Mass. Chapter
"You will lose the ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe on your own. Your mind and senses will remain completely intact the entire time.

Schilling got involved with the cause when he was a pitcher for the Phillies over 10 years ago.

Scott Edelstein, ALS Assoc. Mass. Chapter
"He doesn't have any relatives with it. He just met an ALS patient with it and that is all it took. He saw what the disease does and he knew he had to do something to help out patients."

Schilling has a web site dedicated to his mission. He contributes his own money, and gives fans autographed souvenirs for helping out.

But he and his wife also try to brighten the days of patients like Jason...who got a chance to meet his hero at a fundraiser earlier this season.

Scott Edelstein, ALS Assoc. Mass. Chapter
"They're trying to take their fame and turn it into good by helping ALS patients because it is such a devastating disease."

You've probably seen the shirts "Why not us?" It refers to the Red Sox winning the World Series but the proceeds from these shirts help ALS patients.

To help out ALS victims and purchase "Why Not Us?" t-shirts log onto
http://www.als-ma.org/curtspitch/