ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon athletic department and the football program have announced plans for Ali's Rally Organ Donor Awareness Day scheduled for Saturday, September 17. The event will take place during Saturday's Gannon-Millersville football game at Gannon University Field. Kickoff is slated for 12 noon.

As part of Saturday's festivities, admission to the Gannon-Millersville football game will be free of charge. However, those wishing to make financial donations can do so at one of the Ali's Rally Foundation tables near the entrance of Gannon University Field. All proceeds from the game will benefit the Ali's Rally Foundation.

On February 2, 2003, Alison Gerlach's life came to a sudden and tragic end. The day before the Super Bowl of 2003, Ali was struck with a sudden and apparently inexplicable stroke. Four days later, she was diagnosed with Moya Moya disease. This rare disorder, involving blockage of the main arteries and blood vessels to the brain, presently has no known cause or cure. Ali died three days later. Only 17 years old and a senior at Williamsville South (N.Y.) High School, she was an outstanding athlete and a well loved student.

Upon her death, Ali's family chose to honor her memory by contributing her organs to other needy children and adults as a reflection of her unselfish love. In this memory and to continue to bring the gift of life to others, the Ali's Rally Foundation was born.

The Ali's Rally Foundation is near and dear to the Gannon football program as Ali's brother Kevin plays for the Golden Knights. Kevin is a redshirt freshman this season and competes as an offensive lineman.

Since its inception, Ali's Rally has raised over $130,000 for Upstate New York Transplant Services. Those funds are specifically designated towards Upstate New York Transplant Services “Donate Life” program, a school outreach program with the objective of continuing to make Western New York aware of the need for organ donation.

Tens of thousands of people are currently waiting for transplants. One donor can save or enhance the lives of more than 50 recipients. Through this gift of life, hearts can be repaired and bodies can be restored.

More information about the Ali's Rally Foundation can be found online at http://www.alisrally.org. They can also be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45873255818.