Zac Brown Band guitarist, local woman unite in fight against ALS at Reds Lou Gehrig Day
By Rachel Whelan
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CINCINNATI (WLWT) — A night of baseball, music and hope brought together people living with ALS at Great American Ball Park.
The Cincinnati Reds hosted their annual Lou Gehrig Day celebration, honoring those affected by the disease and raising awareness for the ongoing fight to find a cure.
Among those taking part was John Driskell Hopkins, known to fans as “Hop,” the guitarist for the Zac Brown Band. Hopkins was diagnosed with ALS in December 2021, but he continues to tour, perform and advocate for research through his foundation, Hop On A Cure.
“My breathing is good, I obviously have my appetite,” Hopkins joked. “And I’m too blessed to be depressed.”
Before the game, Hopkins performed an intimate concert for people living with ALS and their families outside Great American Ball Park.
“I am so very proud of each and every one of you that doesn’t give up,” Hopkins told the crowd.
Hopkins said his foundation, Hop on a Cure, has helped raise more than $5 million for ALS research in the past year alone.
Also in the crowd was 27-year-old Hannah Broermann of Okeana, who was diagnosed with ALS last year. Broermann said meeting Hopkins was especially meaningful because she and her husband, Logan, are longtime Zac Brown Band fans.
“We love him and the Zac Brown Band,” Broermann said. “They were our first dance song at our wedding, and we’ve seen them here in concert. So it was awesome.”
Later in the evening, Broermann took the field for a moment she will never forget. With her family helping her out of her wheelchair and Logan waiting behind home plate, she threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
For Broermann, the support from her family has meant everything.
“They’re the type of family who, as soon as we called them to let them know what was going on today, they were like, ‘Alright, where do we buy tickets? What’s the plan?’” Broermann said. “No questions asked. I know they’re going to be there.”
The night ended with Hopkins singing the national anthem before the Reds game, a fitting close to a day meant to honor, remember and support those touched by ALS.
While there is still no cure for the disease, those gathered at Great American Ball Park said nights like Lou Gehrig Day help bring the ALS community together and remind families they are not alone.
If you’d like to learn more about Hop on a Cure, visit the organization’s website.
A “Hope for Hannah ” Benefit will support Hannah Broermann and her family as they navigate ALS. The event is July 18 at Badin High School.
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