Letters: Pay tribute to Bill Lyon at Phillies game

ISSUE | BILL LYON TRIBUTE

Fund-raising and Phillies

I have read with great interest the five-part series by retired Philadelphia Inquirer sports columnist Bill Lyon as he bravely shared his journey with Alzheimer's - the most common type of dementia - and its effects on not only him but the people he loves.

Alzheimer's, which affects 5.4 million Americans, is the nation's sixth-leading cause of death and the only one in the top 10 that has no cure, means of prevention, or way to slow it.

As president and chief executive officer of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, I admire Bill's courage tremendously, so we have teamed up with the Inquirer's parent company, Philadelphia Media Network, and the Phillies to honor him with Alzheimer's Night at the Phillies Salutes Bill Lyon, Aug. 3, at Citizens Bank Park. That evening, he or a family member will throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Phillies-Giants game.

What better way to further salute Bill than for fans to buy their tickets through phillies.com/alzheimers? A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Nov. 12 Walk to End Alzheimer's at Citizens Bank Park, which raises money for research, care, and support services. More information is available at our 24/7 Helpline, 800-272-3900, and alz.org/delval.

Thank you to Philadelphia Media Network and all of you for showing Bill how much he is loved.

|Wendy L. Campbell, Philadelphia

Say 'thanks' with a note

What a wonderful idea - honoring Bill Lyon at a Phillies game on Aug. 3. Let's add to the festivities by writing personal notes to Bill expressing our appreciation for his many contributions to the Inquirer over the years. Perhaps a mailbox could be placed in a prominent place at Citizens Bank Park for us to deposit our notes - kind of like writing a letter to Santa.

Let's do it.

|Pat Miles, Lansdale

A truly humble, courageous friend

It is difficult to believe that someone who has been nominated for six Pulitzer Prizes, was syndicated in 52 newspapers, reached more than 50 million people each time he wrote, and won more awards than he can display in his home can be an extremely humble person. Yet that is exactly what Bill Lyon has always been.

Bill and I have been close friends for more than 20 years - so close that he often read his columns to me to get a sports fan's reaction before they were published.

Now that he has shared his bout with "Al" with others, thousands more know about his courage, his honesty, and his concern for others who might share his situation.

Honoring Bill at a Phillies game will be an excellent way for his fans to express their appreciation of his life's work and to recognize his contributions to their daily lives.

Since Bill spent most of his working life in stadiums recognizing others, it seems appropriate to have others recognize him in such a setting.

Bill often told me he enjoyed covering sports during crucial moments because it revealed character. Now we know what his five-part Inquirer series says about Bill Lyon's character.

|Joe Marrella, Marlton, joemarrella@aol.com