I am Sarah Nauser

I was born and raised in Blue Springs, a suburb of Kansas City. I began playing ball as soon as I could and throughout my childhood I grew up on the ball fields. If I wasn’t playing, I was the bat girl for my older siblings’ teams.

So naturally I had to have love for my hometown team. That love only grew as I got older. I would not miss an opening day for anything, including school. Every opportunity I had I would be at the K watching the Royals. It was my happy place and still is.

As a teenager I dreamed of becoming a police officer. I wanted to be the police officer who had the privilege to work the Royals games while standing in the Royals dugout. Shortly after my diagnosis, my dream came true. I worked my last shift in my police uniform in the Royals dugout. That night I met George Brett and Salvador Perez. George promised to be by my side while I fought ALS. Nearly four years later he has kept his promise! I am fortunate to have a very special bond with George and he continues to help me raise awareness for the disease.

Since the night I worked in the dugout, the Royals support has been unwavering. I have befriended many former and current players including Salvy. Salvy always greets me with his trademark smile and a big hug. He even wrote a letter on the team’s behalf to support me in my advocacy for treatments at the nation’s capital.

I have delivered a first pitch to Salvy with George Brett by my side. I was invited to live out another dream; I got to travel with the team to Wrigley Field. I was fortunate enough to be treated like royalty for many years at spring training. Last season the team wore shirts with my logo during batting practice on Lou Gehrig Day and continued to wear them throughout the remainder of the season.

The Royals continue to allow me to share my story and stand by my side. They tell me, “you keep fighting and we’ll keep praying.” How could I possibly give up with all this support behind me?

I was privileged to be part of the Lou Gehrig committee for nearly the last 3 years. To see it all to fruition last season was incredibly special. Lou deserves to be honored and this is the perfect way to do it. It also is a huge opportunity to raise awareness for the dreaded disease. Baseball is a beautiful thing!