Andy Knipe ended his 4 year battle with ALS on early Saturday morning with his family and friends at his hospital bedside. He was an avid Yankee fan and ardent ALS advocate. Andy helped ALS Association of Greater NY with his video, graphic, and art production skills. He became a Board member. He was also a passionate Ride member and participated in the last three May Ride for Life events. Andy's wit and love of baseball will long be remembered by the countless people he connected with.
(PHOTO: Andy in center with Ride for Life Board Member and brother Billy on left along with Honorary Chairman of Ride for Life, David Cone, former NY Yankees pitcher
Andy's extended Ride family will miss him sorely. PALS will press on in his memory. A cure is only an effort away. Our condolences go to his wife Laura and his children Leo, Joseph and Jessica. Our sympathy is extended to his brothers and sisters and his mom.
I will post the eulogy that I will present for my friend at his funeral Mass on Tuesday.
Written with love, respect and gratitude,
Chris Pendergast
PALS and Ride Founder
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The Knipe family requests that donations be made to:
ALS Association Greater New York Chapter
116 John Street
Suite 1304
New York, NY 10038
www.als-ny.org
ALS Ride For Life
645 Fifth Avenue
Suite 403
New York, NY 10022
rideforlife.com
OR - if you would like to contribute to Andy Knipe's Children's Scholarship Fund, please contact Bonnie Levine at bonnie.levine@bbdo.com or 212 459-6150.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Andy Knipe was an important part of Ride for Life and a tireless fighter in the battle against ALS. But first and foremost, he was a husband, a father, and a rabid Yankees fan. As a tribute to our friend, we present the following articles, which we hope will explain why everyone loved Andy and why he will be missed so much.
Although he was very ill, Andy took part in the Ride for Life event last May. As you read these three columns he wrote for our Ride for Life 2005 journal, you'll marvel how in spite of his terrible physical difficulties and suffering, Andy never lost his sharp wit and sense of humor:
The Road to a Cure: Chapter 2 (Part 1)
The Road to a Cure: Chapter 2 (Part 2)
The following articles were republished by Ride for Life:
Andy Knipe headed for the ride of his life
Ad agency honored for fighting ALS