Journalism Showcase: “SC Featured” Producer Alexandra Nolen Reflects On Bond She Built With Coach Patrick Behan
Nolen's experience with losing her mother to ALS or "Lou Gehrig's Disease" initially fueled interest in Behan's story, but a friendship has formed in the process, she explains; "Nothing Else Matters" debuts in the 8 a.m. ET hour of the Sunday, March 26, edition of SportsCenter
EDITOR’S NOTE: Alexandra Nolen is a Storyteller/Associate Producer within the Features Unit at ESPN. She produced the “SC Featured” spotlight “Nothing Else Matters,” the story of Patrick Behan, the head boys basketball coach at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., who was diagnosed with ALS and given a year to live (watch the trailer above). Nolen lost her mother Anne to ALS in 2019. In advance of her “SC Featured” profile of Behan, premiering in the 8 a.m. EDT segment of “SportsCenter” on Sunday, March 26, she tells Front Row what inspires her storytelling
On Aug. 29, 2019, my mother Anne was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis) on her birthday.
ALS is a terminal nerve disease commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Eventually, you will lose the ability to move your arms, hands, and legs, followed by your voice. In the end, you stop breathing while keeping your mind intact.
It robs you of your independence. There is no cure.
Most people diagnosed with ALS typically receive a life expectancy of 3-5 years.
My Mom passed away three months after the day she was diagnosed. It happened very fast, at a pace we had no idea could happen. She was 68.
Ever since she passed, it has been a goal of mine to bring awareness to this horrible disease by helping someone tell their ALS story.
Periodically, I would do a Google search for stories on those affected by ALS in the sports community.
A week before my mother’s birthday, she was on my mind. So I tried Googling “coaching with ALS,” and immediately, an article from The Washington Post popped up, “I’m Still Your Coach,” by Adam Kilgore.
By the time I was done reading, I felt a connection.
Patrick Behan, the head coach at St John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., was diagnosed with ALS on May 6, 2022, at age 34.
In Patrick’s case, he has familial ALS – meaning the disease runs in his family. His father passed away from the disease. Patrick is believed to be the 10th family member to be diagnosed with ALS, yet his diagnosis wouldn’t stop him from doing what he loved most: coaching basketball.
We’ve been documenting Patrick’s story since Nov. 9, 2022. He takes 27 pills daily, but basketball is the best medicine.
At various points, I saw a man at home sitting on his recliner, fatigued and conserving his energy for a game. Then later, I’d see an entirely different person on the court.
He was vocal. Passionate. Intense.
The next thing I know, I’m giving him his B-12 injection shots in both arms.
He couldn’t do it himself, so I was the only person who could do it.
I remember asking him, “Are you sure? I don’t want to hurt you.”
He replied, “I trust you.”
From that moment on, it changed. Patrick wasn’t just a coach whose story we were telling anymore. He was my friend.
– Alexandra Nolen on her friendship with Coach Patrick Behan
Honestly, for two hours, I forgot he had ALS.
Look closely and you’ll see the tremor in his hand or him picking his arm up to help himself take a sip from his water bottle. This is part of ALS; it’s physical but also mental warfare.
For Patrick, brushing his teeth, putting contacts in, and getting dressed are more tiring than running a 3-hour practice.
When you can help someone tell their story, you always hope to create trust and connection. So in Dec. 2022, I returned to D.C., a month after our first visit.
We discussed the filming schedule over pizza and wings for the next two days. A few minutes later, Patrick’s best friend Anthony texted to remind him to remember Patrick’s B-12 injection. Patrick looks at me.
The next thing I know, I’m giving him his B-12 injection shots in both arms.
He couldn’t do it himself, so I was the only person who could do it.
I remember asking him, “Are you sure? I don’t want to hurt you.”
He replied, “I trust you.”
From that moment on, it changed.
Patrick wasn’t just a coach whose story we were telling anymore. He was my friend.
Before it was time to go, I got afraid to leave him since he was alone. Then, knowing what I knew about the disease and remembering my Mom, my instincts set in, “Is he going to be O.K.?”
Last month, we witnessed Patrick winning his first-ever conference championship, the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title. Patrick was also named Coach Of The Year.
With everything going on in his life, watching him and his players embrace was beyond special. There was not a dry eye in the gym once the final buzzer sounded.
ALS might rob him of many things, but it didn’t take away the love in the gym that night.
We’ve been on this journey together for four months now.
When we first met, he told me he only had so many energy tokens and decided daily how he wanted to use them. Coaching of course is at the top of the list but outside of that, it’s entirely up to him.
Knowing that he chose to spend his time with us resonates with me every day, and it’s something I don’t take lightly. I’m forever grateful for his friendship, trust, and especially his sister Alexis and friend Anthony.
When people see his story, I hope it brings awareness to ALS and reminds others that nothing can stop you from doing what you love.
He has left a profound mark on my life, and I will always be there for him.
He’s got a friend in me for life.
EDITOR’S NOTE: SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt also explores Behan’s story
One Big Thing#BehanStrong pic.twitter.com/xyoDtF0ENx
— Stanford Steve (@StanfordSteve82) March 1, 2023
