Television host and actress Debbie Matenopoulos is scheduled to appear on the ABC morning show “The View” on Wednesday, July 10, to co-host and will raise awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the disease that took the life of her father Niko Matenopoulos in 2012.
ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The disease robs people of the ability to walk, to talk and even blink an eye. It traps them inside a body they no longer can control and ultimately prevents them from breathing as it takes their life. There is no known cause of the disease, although military veterans are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population.
“The ALS Association is excited that Debbie Matenopoulos will appear on ‘The View’ to discuss her support of The ALS Association," said Jane H. Gilbert, President and CEO of The ALS Association. “We hope the show’s viewers will gain an understanding of how this devastating disease impacts the 30,000 families living with ALS in our country.”
Following the broadcast, Matenopoulos is slated to tour the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City with Gilbert and Dorine Gordon, President & CEO for The Association’s Greater New York Chapter, and Dale Lange, M.D., the Chairman of Neurology and Medical Director of The ALS Association Program at the Hospital for Special Surgery. They will visit with people with ALS and their families during the tour. The OWN Network will tape this visit and broadcast it at a later date.
Matenopoulos will also host a fundraiser on July 10 at STIX Mediterranean Grill and Cafe on 112 East 23rd Street in New York City, where 100 percent of the event’s proceeds will go to the Greater New York Chapter. STIX will donate all food, while Sidney Frank Importing Co. hosts the bar with summer punches crafted by their mixologist Todd Richman, featuring newly introduced and award-winning American Harvest Organic Spirit as well as Barenjager Honey Liqueur and Barenjager Honey and Bourbon Liqueur. The OWN and NGTV Network (Greek TV network) will be covering this event.
Broadcast time for “The View” segment varies according to national affiliates’ markets. Viewers will have the opportunity to donate through a text to give option.
Source: PR Newswire
