Real Salt Lake VP Of Communications & PR Diagnosed With ALS

SALT LAKE CITY – John Genna, the Vice President of Communications and Public Relations at Real Salt Lake, has been diagnosed with ALS.

Genna, 55, wishes for his legacy to be to generate funds to support research to find a cure for ALS and the RSL Foundation will match all donations made by RSL fans and staff.

“I want my legacy to be that I can impact the research,” said Genna. “I don’t want the next person that comes after me to hear the doctor say they have ALS and have that sinking feeling that I had. I want to change that, that’s what I want my legacy to be.”

Genna was diagnosed with ALS in July after battling health issues that began in 2019. At first, he experienced pain in his right leg but was quickly told to visit a neurosurgeon for spinal issues after suffering a fall that fractured ribs and herniated discs in his spine.

It was not until July when Genna visited the neurology department of the University of Utah hospital where he was told by a doctor of his diagnosis. Previously, Genna had endured countless surgeries and appointments with specialists only for them to not understand what the problem was.

Now, Real Salt Lake is rallying behind Genna during the most difficult time of his life. Manager Pablo Mastroeni has been and will continue to wear an armband during games that reads “JG”.

The club has invited fans to attend a walk organized by the ALS Association. The walk will take place at Sugar House Park on October 15 and is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. with those attending asked to arrive by 10 a.m.

Genna recently spoke to Brian Dunseth on a podcast episode of Bleeding Claret and Cobalt. Prior to the discussion, Mastroeni speaks to Director of PR Trey Fitz-Gerald on his relationship and the impact Genna has had on him. To listen to the podcast, click here.

You can register to donate/or join RSL’s ALS Association walk team by following this link.