Bowlers unite to raise ALS awareness

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - A community came together Sunday to remember an old friend and raise awareness of the disease that took his.

The 2nd Annual David Emerson ALS Awareness Tournament was held May 5 at Hijinx, 3102 Shelby Dr. in Jonesboro.

Two dozen teams of four battled it out on the lanes, and trophies were awarded to teams that finished in first, second, and third place.

May is ALS Awareness Month. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, according to ALS.org.

Jonesboro native and avid bowler David Emerson was diagnosed with ALS in December of 2022. Renee Emerson said her husband’s diagnosis was “very unexpected.”

“Sixty-five years old; the man was in perfect health, so it was a shock to all of us,” R. Emerson said.

After 10 months of fighting, David succumbed to the disease in October 2023.

Before his diagnosis, bowling was one of David’s passions.

Renee said proceeds from last year’s tournament helped pay for his medical care. This year’s tournament benefits other Northeast Arkansans suffering with ALS.

“I promised him I would keep ALS in the forefront of everyone’s mind, as well as keep his memory alive,” Emerson said. “All of these people bowling are here because they loved him just as much as I did.”

To report a typo or correction, please click here.