About the ALS Hoopfest

The EF Wallengren ALS Hoopfest started in 2003 after the passing of Ernest "Ernie" Ferrin Wallengren, a beloved husband and father, successful Hollywood writer, and Calabasas High School boys basketball coach. Ernie left behind a true legacy and a dream to create a world without ALS. Since it's inception, the E.F. Wallengren Fund has raised over $650,000+. Year after year, we come together in Ernie's memory and in memory, honor, and support of the entire ALS community.

Ernie Wallengren addressing ALS supporters

In the summer of 2002 Ernie was invited to give an address at a meeting of ALS supporters and researchers. His voice was weakening and this was the last time he spoke in public. Here is what he said:

	Ernie Wallengren, 2002

I enjoy those memories, and revel in them, even though they are tinged with sadness at abilities lost.

I have other memories too – a year ago being able to walk, haltingly, with a cane. Six months ago, being able to lift a forkful of food to my mouth; three months ago, being able to speak clearly and precisely.

It was about the time that I got this wheelchair that I learned to appreciate the present, because if ALS does nothing else it teaches you to live in the moment. I began to savor the things that I could still do, and worried less about the things that I couldn’t. Today I can still draw a breath on my own, and enjoy a dish of ice cream, and I rejoice in that.

I remember the last time I walked the two flights of stairs up to my office. I stood at the railing, looking out at the schoolyard next door, so full of life and laughter, soaking it all in – and also wondering how the heck I was going to get back down to my car.

I made a conscious decision that I wasn’t going to let this disease, which has such a tenacious grip on my body, destroy my spirit as well. That’s not always an easy resolution to keep, and it’s not something I can do by myself.

All of us, whether afflicted with a terminal illness or not, are free to choose how we will live out our days. Will we be like the shut-in who imprisons both himself and his wife and simply waits to die or will we view life as an adventure, no matter what challenges and obstacles are thrown our way?

Let me tell you what my answer is. I am going to cherish every day that is given to me. I am going to immerse myself in life. I am going to treasure my wife and my children. I do not fear the end because with their help I will make every breath precious and every remaining second a miracle.

Ernie died nine months later.