Oct. 21, 2004

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – During halftime of its broadcast of Saturday’s football game between Notre Dame and Boston College, NBC Sports will show a special feature on former Irish head coach Ara Parseghian, who is fighting to help find a cure for Niemann Pick Type C. A rare neuro-degenerative disease that prevents the body from properly storing cholesterol, Niemann Pick Type C has affected Parseghian’s family in a very personal way. Two of his grandchildren have been lost to the disease, while a third (15-year-old Marcia) continues to fight its effects.

The Parseghian family has been extremely active in trying to raise money to battle Niemann Pick Type C. In 1994, Parseghian poured much of his time and energy into finding a cure for the disease by setting up the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation. Located in Tuscon, Ariz., the foundation has raised $23 million to date.

Parseghian coached at Notre Dame from 1964-74, guiding the Irish to national championships in 1966 and 1973.

Notre Dame (5-2), ranked 24th in the latest Associated Press poll and 25th in the current ESPN/USA Today coaches’ poll, will meet Boston College (4-2) Saturday at 1:30 p.m. (EST) at Notre Dame Stadium.

— ND —