Behan Strong continues to punchback for Pat
As the New Year rolls around, Behan Strong and Coach Patrick Behan, head coach of the St. John’s Boys’ Basketball Team, continue to fight for ALS awareness and raise funds for treatment. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a debilitating disease which affects the nervous system, resulting in decay to the motor system over time. Unfortunately there is no cure for ALS as of now, however there are various treatments which can delay some of the effects of ALS.
Originally diagnosed during May of 2022, Coach Patrick Behan has continued to coach the boys basketball team at St. John’s while at the same time, managing the Behan Strong organization.
This year, Behan Strong hopes to host various events in order to raise awareness for ALS and funds to support treatment. On January 14th, Behan Strong hosted the Behan Strong Invitational at St. John’s College High School, a basketball tournament which involved four nationally ranked teams, a regionally ranked team, as well as St. Mary’s Ryken high school. The SJC Boys Basketball team ended up winning the tournament with an 80-73 victory over IMG in the finals. Raymond Watts remarks that “we really tried to win it all for [Coach Behan] and just celebrate the whole cause [of Behan Strong].” Thanks to the support of the community, Behan Strong was able to raise a large sum of money from the tournament to support Coach Behan’s treatment. Behan Strong will also host Party at Pat’s on March 18th at St. John’s College High School. This event is being hosted in conjunction with Matt Kurkjian, a former Catholic University baseball player who has also been diagnosed with ALS. Party at Pat’s will feature live music, an auction, wine tasting, food, and much more. Raymond Watts, a captain of the boys basketball team, has high hopes for Behan Strong this year, stating that “it’s gonna be a movement the whole season, so it’s just gonna keep growing and getting bigger.”
Another one of Behan Strong’s goals this year is to grow its social media presence, whether it be through Instagram, Facebook, or a completely different platform. Alexis Behan, a trustee of the Behan foundation and sister to Coach Patrick Behan, hopes that focusing on social media will raise the organization’s profile and help grow the organization more quickly. Alexis Behan hopes that by having a larger social media profile, the organization will be able to gain more partnerships with brands and public figures as well as to bring awareness to Coach Behan’s story and ALS.
Despite all the support and recognition that Behan Strong gets, the movement can always use more support. Even if making a financial contribution isn’t possible, there are many other ways to get involved and show support. One of the best ways for St. John’s Students to show support is just by showing that you care, says Alexis Behan. Whether it be wearing a Behan Strong wristband, posting about Behan Strong on social media, or showing up to SJC basketball games, everything counts. Raymond Watts agrees, stating that “I would really encourage you guys to show support to Behan…by…coming out to games [and] showing some support…he really loves basketball and that’s his passion.” Even though financial contributions may seem like the best way to support Behan Strong, those involved with the movement, such as Alexis Behan and Raymond Watts, say that just showing that you care and stand with Coach Behan means the most.