CHICAGO – Kenneth Anthony Moore Sr. was excited to take in Monday’s White Sox game against the Tigers at Rate Field, which also happened to be Lou Gehrig Day recognized across baseball.
Moore, who was diagnosed with the insidious illness of ALS in 2024, is a long-time White Sox, Bulls and Bears fan, even showing off a tattoo of the Bulls logo on his right forearm. But he got much more than a night out at the ballpark, when he was surprised with a custom Permobil wheelchair 30 minutes prior to first pitch. Moore was born with a rare heart condition and spina bifida, becoming a quadriplegic in ‘18.
“I don’t cry easily and they brought me to tears,” said Moore, surrounded by his wife and three sons after making the trip in from Chicago Heights, a South Suburb of Chicago. “They totally brought me to tears.
“Oh my goodness, I wasn’t expecting any of this, I promise you. I was just thinking about a night out at the ballgame. We get out together with the family and enjoy ourselves. This was the biggest surprise I ever had.”
Additional pregame recognitions included James Tarqueno throwing the ceremonial first pitch, Pat Stack participating in the managers’ lineup card exchange, and Dan Payne leading the announcement of “play ball.” The White Sox continue to support community organizations by donating more than 60 game tickets to I AM ALS, The ALS Association, and the Les Turner Foundation and offering a special discounted ticket offer for additional members of these organizations.
The Permobil donation was made possible by Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, Live Like Lou, and Permobil, organizations that lead the charge for the annual Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. While Moore was unaware of the gift, his wife, Tekeyra, had prior knowledge.
She was still incredibly moved simply by the smile on her husband’s face.
“Actually, I knew a month ago. It’s been burning my soul not to run my mouth,” Tekeyra said. “So, every time he would have a mishap with this chair here, just recently he had another bolt that came out of the chair, so this chair he got 5 years ago, but 5 years ago he didn’t have ALS. So, it’s not [compatible] to his needs at all.”
“It helps my mobility,” Moore said. “It’s going to help with my back support. It’s truly an upgrade for me and for my quality of life. Yes, it’s going to help immensely.”
Savon, Jalen, and Kenneth Jr., the Moore’s three sons, stood by proudly as the White Sox themed Permobil wheelchair was presented by the organization and then moved out to him by outfielder Mike Tauchman, who was part of the entire proceedings. As an artist, Moore has drawn a number of athletes over the years, including countless Michael Jordan pictures and Bo Jackson with the White Sox.
Now, he has this special and important connection to the White Sox.
“You know what? It’s a totally different experience for me,” said Moore of his daily life. “But my family, they help me so much. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.
“They make sure whatever way they can help me, they make sure to get it done. It’s definitely been a big change.”