By Town Crier Staff Report

The Bay Area Chapter of the ALS Association is scheduled to hold its inaugural “All Star Award Gala” 6 p.m., June 1, at Trader Vic’s, 4261 El Camino Real, Palo Alto.

Awards will be presented to Al Hart of KCBS and John Madden for their contributions in raising awareness about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Hart left a distinguished broadcasting career with KCBS to serve as primary caregiver to his wife Sally, who died of ALS. Since Hart left the radio station, KCBS has given radio time to publicize special events and act as media partner in recognition of the disease.

Madden, former Oakland Raiders coach and new host of ABC’s Monday night football, will receive an award for being the event’s honorary chairman.

Valerie Coleman Morris, anchor of CNN Financial News, will serve as master of ceremonies as a tribute to Hart, her former co-anchor at KCBS.

ALS, a motor neuron disease, was first identified in 1869, but its cause, cure and means of control are still unknown. The onset of ALS is insidious, with early symptoms being muscle weakness or stiffness. As the disorder inevitably progresses, the patient suffers paralysis of the muscles and loss of control of vital functions such as speech, swallowing and respiration.

The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages two to five years from the time of diagnosis. Up to 10 percent of ALS cases occur more than once in a family lineage.

The mission of the association is to address the needs of patients, find a cure and improve the quality of life of sufferers. The association also works toward promoting awareness and understanding of ALS.

To request an invitation to this event or find out more about the ALS Association, call Linda de Mello at (415) 392-2572.