Calgary Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow, who was diagnosed with ALS in June 2019, threw the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park with his family Thursday, one day after his 40th birthday.
Snow is from the Boston area and was as a Boston Red Sox beat reporter for the Boston Globe before working his way into an NHL front office.
On Wednesday, he celebrated a "birthday (he) wasn't supposed to see" as doctors told him he had one year to live upon receiving the diagnosis.
Enjoying coffee and donuts (liquified and into the tube) to begin a 40th birthday I wasn’t supposed to see. The burp tasted awesome. pic.twitter.com/g2CLJTRs40
— Chris Snow (@ChrisSnowCGY) August 11, 2021
Having lost his father, two uncles and a cousin to ALS, Snow is familiar with the effects of the degenerative disease, but he's defying the odds thanks to an experimental drug and continues to play a significant role in the Flames organization.
Before using the experimental treatment, however, Snow had already lost most of his ability to use his right hand. As a right-handed thrower, he had to learn how to throw with his left before attempting the first pitch, and posted a video of himself practising on Wednesday.
Measured off 60 feet 6 inches. Loosening up the arm. See you tomorrow @fenwaypark. https://t.co/LjvBIAdU7N pic.twitter.com/2t99CpEAtZ
— Chris Snow (@ChrisSnowCGY) August 11, 2021
