Pro Player Foundation Hosted A Pro Play MS Day April 1, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRO PLAYER FOUNDATION HOSTED ITS SECOND ANNUAL A PRO PLAY MS DAY TO SPREAD MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS OUTREACH, AWARENESS, AND ENGAGEMENT

Pro Player Foundation, Tyler and Earl Campbell hosted its Second Annual A Pro Play MS Day Saturday, April 1st, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Austin. A Pro Play MS Day kickoffed with a #rEECh Collaborative Panel at 5:00 p.m. CST for the MS community. PPF Ambassador and Author, Tyler Campbell, MS neurology specialist, Dr. Ann Bass, MD and Dr. Annette Howard shared their experiences with Multiple Sclerosis and highlight important information about the disease. Guests dusted off their favorite boots and enjoyed our exclusive BBQ & Boots event that highlighted Texas BBQ at 6:30 p.m. CST. Pro Football Hall of Fame members Tim Brown, Tony Dorsett, Joe Greene, and Anthony Munoz, University of Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian and Longhorn Legends, Cameron Dicker and Fozzy Whittaker, were in attendance to lend their support to Pro Player Foundation’s mission of improving the lives of people affected by MS. Pro Player Foundation salutes our MVP Sponsors, Biogen and Genentech, and our Orange Zone sponsor Bristol Myers Squibb, and we are thankful for our unsung heroes Dr. Jacqueline Dupont and Marc Carlson. The Austin Radio Network served as our media partner.

Pro Player Foundation is proud to announce the live music for our signature BBQ & Boots event was provided by Austin’s own, The Band of Heathens! This iconic Austin band is returning to their roots when their ninth studio album, Simple Things, released March 17th. With multiple critically-acclaimed albums and international touring for 15 year plus, we were honored to host one of the most prominent bands to rise from Austin.

WHO & WHAT? 

Pro Player Foundation hosted a live-streamed #rEECh Collaborative Panel at 5:00 p.m. CST in the Zilker Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency in downtown Austin, Texas. Tyler Campbell emceed the Foundation’s 4th #rEECh Collaborative Panel designed to continue the spread of knowledge and resources in underrepresented communities affected by Multiple Sclerosis. The 2023 Panel included Pro Player Foundation Ambassador and Best-Selling Author, Tyler Campbell, MS neurology specialist, Dr. Ann Bass and renowned neurologists, Dr. Dianna Andino and Dr. Horacio Chiong-Rivero. The Panelists explored navigating wellness issues when living with Multiple Sclerosis and the impact the disease has on underserved communities. We encouraged participation in research and clinical trials, especially in minority communities where there is little representation. Pro Player Foundation is committed to sharing our resources at no cost. Pro Player Foundation believes we can help bridge the information gap and be a powerful voice in reaching underrepresented communities that have fallen through the cracks of traditional media.

Nearly one million individuals are living with MS in the United States. Pro Player Foundation has determined there is a gap in educating and creating awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) specifically in underrepresented communities. In response, we have created and developed the Educate.Elevate.Collaborate. Initiative to do our part to close this gap. According to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), although MS affects all races and ethnicities, specific minority populations may bear a disproportionate share of the disease burden. Recent research suggests African Americans carry a higher risk of developing MS and appear to experience a particularly aggressive disease course, with increased severity and more rapid progression. The National MS Society cites studies that show Hispanics with MS are more likely to have optic neuritis (an inflammation of the nerves that connect the eyes to the brain) than other ethnicities with MS on the rise in these communities.

A Pro Play MS Day concluded with an exclusive in-person BBQ & Boots event in the Zilker Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency in downtown Austin with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. CST. Guests were able to indulge in some of Austin’s finest tasting stations presented by 3 Small Plates, Amy’s Ice Creams, Austin Gourmet Popcorn, Bravo Company BBQ, Chef Gil & Co., Cinful Sweets, Glorious BBQ, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Hyatt Regency, Jeany’s Caribbean Elixir, Miss Macaron ATX, Ranch 616, Sinsational Cakes, Sky’s Kitchen, Suga’s Cakery, Terry Black’s BBQ, The University of Texas Club, Whitfield’s and Yummi Joy. Participants enjoyed an intimate evening with Pro Football Hall of Fame Members, Earl Campbell and friends, live music, an auction, and delectable desserts. It is our mission to provide an evening of joy, fellowship, and hope for the MS community.

WHERE

Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. CST

Hyatt Regency Austin

Viewers can watch the discussion by visiting Earl Campbell’s Facebook Page at facebook.com/thetylerrose, the Pro Player Foundation website at proplayerfoundation.org/eec-panel or Twitch on twitch.tv/mssociety.

Instagram: proplayerfoundation

Twitter: @ProPlays

WHY

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2007 while playing football at San Diego State University, Tyler Campbell refuses to let the disease stop him from moving forward. Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. A successful businessman, husband and father, Tyler views his diagnosis as a blessing, stating, “I now have the opportunity to share my experience to help others living with this disease and make an impact on the MS community.” Tyler, a long-time Austinite, now serves as an MS Ambassador for Pro Player Foundation and the National MS Society. Tyler hosts a radio show which airs weekly on 104.9 FM The Horn “Real Lyfe, Reel Talk” and recently penned The Ball Came Out, Life From the Other Side of the Field which is available on Amazon.com. Tyler is on a mission to help other people with Multiple Sclerosis, especially those facing the uncertainty of the future of their education due to the disease. The Pro Player Foundation has adopted Tyler’s mission and aspirations to defeat Multiple Sclerosis. The mission of Pro Player Foundation is to address the needs of underserved children by raising funds and awareness through special events and programs. Pro Player Foundation partners with athletes to achieve philanthropic and community needs, and we believe there is nothing we cannot achieve when we unite and work together.