Skaneateles, Tim Green's home, ready to #TackleALS

SKANEATELES N.Y. — After being featured in a 60 Minutes report, the lakeside community of Skaneateles is reacting to and rallying around Tim Green’s ALS diagnosis.

Many in the community were unaware of Green’s diagnosis, but his best friend Adam Weitsman said he’s known for more than a year.

“About a year and a half ago he told me,” said Weitsman. “But you know at that time he didn't really want to tell anyone, which is understandable. As time went on, his speech had changed and he realized, he wanted to make sure he got it out to people.”

Weitsman said Tim is a supportive friend who he looks up to for inspiration. He told CNYCentral it’s been especially hard to see Green – someone so accomplished and strong – to start declining in health.

“When I see him cringe in pain -- here's a guy that's got 400-pound guys running over his face, and he was right back every week – and the pain is really tough but it's crazy cause he never complains about it.”

Weitsman is now involved in spreading the word about ALS, helping Tim through his new #TackleALS campaign. Green launched the effort to bring in more money to research a cure for the deadly disease.

“Tim deserves it, and I know that he and people out there that have this and they need a voice too.”

Weitsman said the team assembled to raise funds for #TackleALS includes Syracuse University men’s basketball Coach Jim Boehiem. They've contributed 40,000 dollars so far.

Though not everyone in Skaneateles knows Green personally, the hometown household name who played football at Syracuse University and then the NFL, became a lawyer and still writes books is on their minds.

“I think he's got name recognition well-beyond Skaneateles,” said Greg Munno, of Skaneateles. “So if there's a silver lining to it, I'm sure he'll draw new attention to ALS.”