Some people are able to turn adversity on its head, using their circumstances to help change the lives of people around them for the better. Baltimore Ravens Sr. Advisor to Player Development O.J. Brigance and his wife Chanda are two of those people.
Battling adversity each and every day, the Brigances and their Brigance Brigade are true inspirations.
The Brigances and the Brigance Brigade have made it their mission to improve the lives of those battling the effects of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease), a condition O.J. has been battling for the past several years. Through various resources and events, the Brigances are providing access to medical equipment, resource guidance, and support services to patients and their families.
On Friday evening, O.J. and Chanda were joined by Ravens kicker Justin Tucker at the downtown Baltimore Merritt Athletic Club for the second annual Zumbathon for ALS.
“The driving force behind me giving back is to whom much is given, much more will be expected,” said Brigance when asked about his numerous charity events. “I don’t know why I have been chosen for this assignment, but want to do everything in my power to help those living with ALS because I know about the hardships of the journey! I have been blessed to be a blessing.”
His wife Chanda echoed those sentiments.
“The driving force,” she explained, “and the motivation is to help those living with this disease. When O.J. and I were diagnosed we really saw what all it entails each and everyday and we said ‘we have got to do something to help others living with this.’ That’s the motivation behind our efforts to help them with life and continuing to live.”
Over 100 Zumba dancers took part in the event, which turned the gym into a ‘nightclub’ atmosphere. Several Merritt Athletic Club instructors and Tucker were on stage teaching with energy and enthusiasm, with O.J. and Chanda Brigance cheering on the festivities.
“O.J. has been a great friend and a leader around the Ravens facility.” bellowed a jovial Tucker. “Anything my wife Amanda and I can do to help out whatever that may be, we’re happy to do it.”
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Tucker has long been a supporter of Brigance’s mission and other foundation events, and was ecstatic when he heard about the event. He jumped at the opportunity to get involved.
“This city has become home for Amanda and myself and I’m not just saying that but this has really become a place I’ll always want to come back to,” said Tucker. “We won a Super Bowl here but like you just said it’s not just about football, it’s not just about what happens on the field. Being a part of this community, it’s hard not to fall in love with Charm City.”
The admiration O.J. and Chanda receive from those in the Ravens organization is heartwarming. Dubbed by many as heroes for overcoming whatever lies in their way, the Brigances will tell you it’s just their nature.
“We don’t think of ourselves as heroes,” stated Chanda. “We as people should be helping one another and should want to see other people do well in life and get too the point where we can be there for one another. That’s how we see ourselves, that’s how we see the foundation.
“He’s my husband. I love him. I took a vow and I meant that. That vow, for better or worse for richer or poorer. One time in life there may come a day when you have to prove it.”
Truer words have never been spoken. In fact, those words were spoken like a true hero…
For more information on the Brigance Brigade and their mission visit http://www.brigancebrigade.org/.
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR and our @PlayerPositives initiative.
3 Responses
My first symptoms of ALS occurred in 2014, but was diagnosed in 2016. I had severe symptoms ranging from shortness of breath, balance problems, couldn’t walk without a walker or a power chair, i had difficulty swallowing and fatigue. I was given medications which helped but only for a short burst of time, then I decided to try alternative measures and began on ALS Formula treatment from Tree of Life Health clinic. It has made a tremendous difference for me ((Visit http://www.healthcareherbalcentre.com) ). I had improved walking balance, increased appetite, muscle strength, improved eyesight and others. ]
My first symptoms of ALS occurred in 2014, but was diagnosed in 2016. I had severe symptoms ranging from shortness of breath, balance problems, couldn’t walk without a walker or a power chair, i had difficulty swallowing and fatigue. I was given medications which helped but only for a short burst of time, then I decided to try alternative measures and began on ALS Formula treatment from Tree of Life Health clinic. It has made a tremendous difference for me ( Visit w w w. healthcareherbalcentre .com ). I had improved walking balance, increased appetite, muscle strength, improved eyesight and others. ]
My first symptoms of ALS occurred in 2014, but was diagnosed in 2016. I had severe symptoms ranging from shortness of breath, balance problems, couldn’t walk without a walker or a power chair, i had difficulty swallowing and fatigue. I was given medications which helped but only for a short burst of time, then I decided to try alternative measures and began on ALS Formula treatment from Tree of Life Health clinic. It has made a tremendous difference for me ( Visit w w w. healthcareherbalcentre .com ). I had improved walking balance, increased appetite, muscle strength, improved eyesight and others. ]