Kevin Turner grew up with football in his blood. A star running back at the University of Alabama from 1987-1991, he was drafted in the third round by the New England Patriots in 1992.

After three seasons with the Patriots, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles where he played until 1999. After 12 years of being a running back in college and in the NFL, the physical abuse caught up with Turner.

In 1999, he suffered a critical neck injury, which forced him into early retirement at 30.

Turner now faces the greatest challenge of his life, ALS, commonly referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s disease.” ALS is a rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease that causes the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal column. As the nerve cells die, people with ALS lose control of their muscles, which makes breathing, eating and even smiling almost impossible.

But Turner has something to smile about. It’s called the “Kevin Turner Foundation” through which he educates others about ALS, and its connection to brain injury.

Established in 2010, the foundation aims to raise money and awareness in pursuit of its ultimate goal, finding a cure.

Turner will be in Andalusia on Sat., March 26, at the PowerSouth Conference Room, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. where the Covington County Chapter of the University of Alabama Alumni Association will recognizing Turner’s efforts to find a cure for ALS.

There will be a catered meal provided by David’s Catfish restaurant. Cost is $10 per plate.

Call Amy Jones at Jones & Jones Law Firm at 222-3161 to reserve a plate.