With the Brigances, the Help Keeps ComingCouple to chair the Packard Center’s next Fiesta 5K 
O.J. Brigance, the Baltimore Ravens’ senior advisor to player development and his wife Chanda, will serve as honorary chairs of the Packard Center’s 5th Annual Fiesta 5K in May. “The Brigances’ fighting spirit makes them the perfect pair to host this year’s race,” says Kathy Davis, Packard’s administrative director. Since O.J.’s ALS diagnosis in 2007, he and Chanda have greatly supported the Packard Center through their charity, Brigance Brigade. “We can’t wait to work with them to make this year’s event the best ever,” Davis adds. In his seven-year NFL career, O.J. has played for the Miami Dolphins, the New England Patriots and the St. Louis Rams, but it’s his skill and spirit as a Baltimore Raven that’s won a permanent place in fans’ hearts. Today, O.J. teaches and mentors players and was recently honored at a half-time ceremony, along with his teammates, to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of their 2000 Super Bowl victory. Despite Brigance’s ailing health, he plans to cheer on the crowd as he did last year. “I’m so touched by all the support I receive on a daily basis,” says Brigance, “but seeing all these generous folks together at the race moves me beyond words.” Last year the Fiesta 5K raised more than $230,000 to find new therapies to slow and ultimately cure the deadly disease. “By hosting the Fiesta 5K every year,” says Center Director Jeffrey Rothstein, “Baltimore also becomes more aware of ALS and our efforts toward a cure.” Rothstein oversees the ALS research of more than 100 scientists around the globe. – Suzanne Connelly | 
