It is with much sadness that we inform you that our dear friend and teammate, Jose Marzan, was diagnosed last summer with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. This horrendous disease, for which there is currently no cure, has already taken quite a toll on Jose's health.

The Gym Bar RATS are holding a Fundraiser and Pool Tournament to be held in Jose's honor. Jose wasn't going to give his okay for this endeavor, never wanting to put the spotlight on himself. However, in keeping with his truly unselfish nature, Jose has given us his permission to move ahead with this, not for HIS benefit, but for those who will be diagnosed with ALS next. 

Jose has been a member of the New York Gay Pool League (NYGPL) on and off for over 20 years, and the RATS appreciate the NYGPL's agreement to send out this correspondence. It is the RATS' intention to raise crucial funds to defeat ALS in honor of Jose.

Here are some ways you can support this endeavor:

1. First and foremost, please keep Jose in your thoughts and prayers.
2. Donate to this cause by either clicking on the following link: web.alsa.org/goto/MarzanPool2025 or by clicking on the flyer above.
3. If you wish to be considered to play in the Pool Tournament, please make a minimum $25 donation via the website and then send an email to:  josemarzan.als.fundraiser@gmail.com. Please include your name and contact number. Please be aware that interest in playing does not guarantee you a spot in the Tournament. The RATS Selection Committee will work to balance the Tournament between League Players (with good representation from the various Teams), as well as Gym Bar players, particularly those close with Jose.*
4. If you're interested in being a Referee for some of the games, please send an email to:  josemarzan.als.fundraiser@gmail.com which includes your name and contact information. 
5. Please come out any of the evenings/days to support this Event. Raffle tickets will be sold each day of the event with prizes awarded on "Championship Sunday". A portion of the raffle proceeds will go to the NYGPL. A "Thinking of You" card will be available for you to sign on each of the 3 days, OR you'll have the opportunity to complete a personalized "Thinking of You" card and drop it in the box that will be delivered to Jose. A photographer and videographer will also be on site so we can send Jose some pictures and videos of all those whose lives he has touched so deeply. It is expected that his family will attend Championship Sunday to help support this cause. 

Please know that Jose is profoundly grateful to all those praying for him and supporting this event.

Regards,

Tony Ortiz (RATS Captain)

*Rules of the Tournament will be sent to the selected players. In short, we will be playing "Gym Bar Rules" as posted near the pool table WITH additional rules, including a "1 minute to SHOOT" rule; Referees; and other rules to keep the Tournament running smoothly. "Level of Play" will NOT be used as criteria for selection. Selected players will play either the evening of Monday, March 3rd OR Tuesday, March 4th with the winners proceeding to "Championship Sunday" on March 9th starting at 3 p.m. 1st Place Finisher will receive a cash prize of $300; 2nd Place will receive $150; and the "Two 3rd Place Finishers" will receive $50 each.