Marypat Velasco's Journey with ALS: A Family's Bucket List and Community Support

Marypat Velasco, a dedicated nurse and beloved family member, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at the end of 2024, altering her plans for retirement and prompting her family to create a bucket list to fulfill her wishes. The final item on this list was to see her favorite basketball team, the New York Knicks, play at Madison Square Garden. This aspiration garnered significant attention on social media, leading to an outpouring of support from the community and celebrities.

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Molly Velasco, Marypat's daughter, took to Threads to seek assistance from the New York Knicks, tagging the team directly. Her post caught the attention of filmmaker Spike Lee, a well-known Knicks fan, who responded promptly, offering to help. This interaction sparked a wave of support, with other celebrities and fans joining in to amplify the request. The Knicks organization ultimately responded positively, providing tickets and the opportunity for Marypat to watch warm-ups courtside, fulfilling her bucket list dream.

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Molly has used her mother's diagnosis as a platform to raise awareness about ALS, sharing updates on social media and connecting with others affected by the disease. She expressed gratitude for the support received, stating, “For those of you who have been touched by ALS, my heart breaks for you. It is truly the cruelest disease.” The family's journey has highlighted the rapid progression of ALS and the emotional toll it takes on families.

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The diagnosis significantly impacted the Velasco family, shifting their focus from future plans to managing the realities of ALS. Molly described how her mother's condition deteriorated quickly, noting that the diagnosis process was a "nightmare." She emphasized the importance of maintaining hope and finding joy in small moments, stating, “You have to find some joy in humor in these impossible circumstances.”

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Molly has also shared insights from their medical team at the Sean Healy ALS Clinic, emphasizing that maintaining weight, avoiding falls, and fostering a sense of hope are crucial in managing the disease. She advises others facing similar challenges to embrace what brings them joy, even if it means indulging in comfort foods repeatedly.

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• “UPDATE: WE ARE GOING TO NYC BABYYYY!!!! Thriends, WE DID IT!! Thanks to all of you & especially Trish Fuller ? (@trishmfuller) ?, our new friend & fairy godmother from the original post, mere days before the last regular game of the season, THE @nyknicks reached out to us & have generously offered us tix & the opportunity to come watch warm-ups courtside! We will cross off my mom’s last bucket list item: ‘I have always wanted to see my New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.’ Sunday, Knicks vs. Hornets!!” — Molly Velasco

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• “ Finding glimmers of good Molly: “You have to find some joy in humor in these impossible circumstances.” — Molly Velasco

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• “Not every day is good, but there is something good in every day.” — Marypat Velasco

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As the Velasco family prepares for their trip to New York, they remain committed to raising awareness about ALS and supporting others affected by the disease. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and the power of social media in bringing people together for a common cause.

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