Billy Lake, who loved to play basketball, eventually lost his life to ALS, but 31 years later, his legacy lives on in the Billy Lake ALS Basketball Marathon that generates funds for ALS research and creates a scholarship at Bonner-Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill.

Lake began experiencing weakness in his left arm, and the weakness spread.

He was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which affects motor neurons. The progressive disease worsens over time and has no cure, writes Matteo Iadonisi for 6abc.

“After we saw what this disease does to somebody, my family and friends came up with this idea to run a basketball fundraiser in his honor,” said Lake’s wife, Patti Lake Quinn.

The tournament began with friends and family. Now, high school basketball teams play from across the Greater Philadelphia region at Bonner Prendergast High School.

“We get to support something. We’re not just playing to play,” said 11th-grade student Reese Fitzgibbons from Haverford High School. “We’re supporting a cause, and it feels good.”

Funds go to ALS United Mid-Atlantic and to a scholarship at Monsignor Bonner/Archbishop Prendergast High School.

Over 30 years, the marathon has raised over $750,000, Lake Quinn said.

Find out more about Billy Lake ALS Basketball Marathon at 6abc.