Letters: Let's thank Bill Lyon, a Philly 'treasure'

ISSUE | ALZHEIMER'S

Let's thank a Philly treasure

Former Inquirer sportswriters such as Frank Dolson, Al Morganti, and Angelo Cataldi were good, but there will never be another Bill Lyon.

As a longtime reader and fan of Lyon, who thankfully has continued to write occasional pieces since he retired in 2005, I nearly cried when I read the first part of his series "My battle with Alzheimer's" (June 5; see all installments at www.philly.com/billlyon).

And I and several friends who also have read his work for decades wonder: What can we do to honor him for all that he has given us?

Not a ceremony hosted by a journalistic or sportswriters' association. Maybe something simple from the people who used to turn to the Sports section to see what the expert on Philly sports had to say - a small gathering to say, "Thank you." Or something bigger for the Philadelphia area to recognize his impact: a "Dinner with Bill Lyon" or a "Bill Lyon Night at Citizens Bank Park."

Unfortunately, I'm aware of how "Al," as Lyon calls the disease, works. I have had many relatives succumb to it. My wish would be to let Lyon know how much he has meant to us before Al comes to visit for good.

Something should be done. Any thoughts would be appreciated. (Suggestions may be sent to inquirer.letters@phillynews.com.) We're talking about a Philadelphia treasure, an icon.

|Glenn Keiper, Levittown

Wear purple and support research

June 20 marked the summer solstice, but it also represented the Longest Day - the Alzheimer's Association's annual nationwide, sunrise-to-sunset day of fund-raising for research, care, and support while honoring the 5.4 million people in the United States who are living with the terminal brain disease.

In the Philadelphia area, nearly 300,000 people have Alzheimer's or a related disorder. Locally, more than 50 teams put on their purple and spent the day doing something they loved to raise funds. Kudos to Lulu's Team, which ran and walked its way to the top spot, raising $5,400. Area teams raised more than $27,000, and money is still coming in.

The Longest Day was the culmination of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. It's not over until June 30, so, as task force chair of the Delaware Valley chapter's Longest Day, I urge everyone to continue to raise awareness about Alzheimer's by wearing purple and donating funds for research.

Even if you don't have a personal connection as I did and have never seen a loved one lose his or her memory and very essence, put on your purple for Alzheimer's.

|Orien Reid-Nix, King of Prussia, oriennix@comcast.net