Reader comments
BYU professor with ALS honored as baseball helps fight disease

Carl Arky | 1:00 a.m. July 5, 2009

Thank to Mr. Vescey for honoring my dear friend with these words and pictures. I personally don't know anyone who has displayed more strength, courage and selflessness in the face of such adversity. Michael, you are making a difference and changing the world. How many of us can say the same? We are so proud of you. You know we love you very much. Keep swing'in away.

The Arky Family

C Ockey | 7:31 a.m. July 5, 2009

I remember reading Goldsmith's My Turn letter in Newsweek and his charge to MLB to honor Lou Gehrig by supporting the fight against ALS. Wonderful to see the power of one!

JRCLS Student | 8:20 a.m. July 5, 2009

Michael Goldsmith is a fine professor and an even better man. I am so grateful that he had this opportunity.

Comments continue below

wes peterson | 10:11 a.m. July 5, 2009

Prof. Goldsmith inspired me to go into criminal law. He was a great professor and I loved his RICO class. I once got the chance to give him a ride home when he was sick and even though it has been over 20 years since I have been in his class he remains a mentor. He is a greaat man and a credit to the law school.

Another former student | 11:07 a.m. July 5, 2009

I am also a former student of Prof. Goldsmith, and though I don't work in criminal law, or even litigation, I count him as one of the better professors I had. He constantly inspires students to work hard and not settle for mediocrity or simply working for a paycheck. Thank you, Prof. Goldsmith, for leading by example.

Trevor Hickey | 3:23 p.m. July 5, 2009

While at JRCLS I worked for Prof. Goldsmith as a law clerk in his on-the-side law practice. The single case I spent the year working on with him was a seemingly hopeless one, but one that had very high stakes--severe injustices had been committed under the color of law. So, just like David vs. Goliath, he took the case head-on and eventually was able to secure redemption and justice for his clients. His passion and zeal in his prosecution of the case were infectious.
To him, ALS is no different. His "clients" now, however, are the thousands of people that suffer from this tremendously unjust disease. His struggle to bring recognition to ALS will no doubt bring the much needed re-focusing of the scientific community to find effective treatments and, God willing, a cure. And once again, his passion is catching on.
Thank you Prof. Goldsmith for everything you do.

In Honor.. | 4:17 p.m. July 5, 2009

As I read through this story, I couldn't think of a more appropriate and powerful show of the true American spirit. Not only that, but it was done as our nation honored our heroes, a class of men that individual citizens can only hope to join. I believe Prof. Goldsmith is now in this class. To sacrifice as much as possible in a time when his life is dwindling, that is the sign of a hero.

Jeff | 4:31 p.m. July 5, 2009

Thank you.

The real strength. | 5:23 p.m. July 5, 2009

You know what makes Prof. Goldsmith a truly strong man, it is his courage to face death. He is not cowering to it, he is not having a pity party over it, but he is taking a weakness that he has been dealt, his disease and turning it into something strong. I wish the best for Prof. Goldsmith and all those who suffer from this disease, and I hope one day they will find the cure or be able to slow the process down on Lou Gehrigs.

Find a cure | 6:23 p.m. July 5, 2009

My father died of ALS 37 years ago. It is a horrible disease that affected our entire family. Perhaps someday with the efforts of people like Prof. Goldsmith, a cure might be found.
God bless you, Prof. Goldsmith

charles murray | 10:38 p.m. July 25, 2009

my wife has ben diagnosed with this terrible disease. a woman who only worries about her family and even though she can no longer walk still comes to work twice a week. strength, courage and knowing that she cannot let this disease beat her without trying. we need more research and big pharmaceutical company help to prevent this disease from taking innocent lives. well done professor glodsmith.

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