Patrick’s Story

Site created on September 21, 2023

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of encouragement! 


Patrick was diagnosed with ALS in May 2022 at 34 years old. Even though ALS is a rare disease, that is not the case for Patrick. Patrick was diagnosed with familial ALS and many family members have been affected by this condition, including his father who passed away in April 2020. In the past year, Patrick has fought all the symptoms that come with ALS every day. He has not and is not giving up. 


Patrick is a high school basketball coach. After his diagnosis, basketball became the best medicine for him. He continued coaching the boys varsity basketball team at St. John's College High School in Washington, DC. His team competes in the WCAC conference, one of the toughest high school conferences in the country. Pat and his team spent the season nationally ranked, going 32-4, and won the WCAC title in March 2023. Every day became harder for Patrick but he never let the challenges that came with the progression of the disease get in between him and what he loved doing the most...being a coach to a group of young men that came together and fought together for Coach Behan.

Patrick has now retired from coaching but he continues to be an inspiration for many.


***Please check the Ways to Help tab to see how you can help support Pat!***



Newest Update

October 08, 2023

Journal entry by Nataly Johanson —

Pat’s birthday was on Friday. Two years ago we were going to weddings with friends and dancing. We were eating donuts for his birthday. This year is different. There is no more eating together or dancing but we still find ways to enjoy our days. A visit to the zoo made his day special. 🤍 #BehanStrong

Please consider donating to help Patrick fight ALS. See GoFund link below and in the “Ways to Help” tab.



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