Buying a new home is a big deal. For many homeowners, it's one of the most important decisions they ever make. When it comes to such a substantial choice, there are a lot of factors to consider, like:
Getting the answers to those questions can be hard but finding a trustworthy manufactured home company can be even more challenging. Sure, you could settle for a fly-by-night company or a shady mobile home dealer. But if you're like most folks, you want to work with a reliable company that has been in business for years. You need a team of professionals who can answer your questions, address your concerns, and sell you a quality home that will keep your family safe and sound.
Welcome to Ken-Co Homes Inc. - your premier choice for mobile home sales in Patrick, SC. Ken-Co Homes has been Lake City's go-to manufactured home since 1974. With several locations in South Carolina, we're the first choice for manufactured homes in the state. As longtime locals in the community, we pride ourselves on honesty, hard work, and running a manufactured home business that you can count on.
There's no secret sauce that makes Ken-Co Homes successful. We work hard, sell the finest Clayton, Destiny, Scotbilt, Homes, and treat our customers like we would like to be treated. That's why, when you meet our team for your home tour, you'll be treated with respect and greeted with a warm smile. Whether you have questions regarding financing or the fit and finish of a floorplan, we'll maintain that same level of kindness, courtesy, and honesty. That way, you know for sure that you have invested in a top-notch manufactured home that your family will love.
Unlike other manufactured home dealers, we have a full selection of Clayton Homes for sale with attractive floor plans to fit your unique lifestyle. When you choose Ken-Co Homes, you're also choosing:
We offer our valued customers a $500 guarantee that we will meet or beat ANY competitor who has a lower price on one of our homes with the same options. Don't believe us? Contact our office today!
With decades of combined experience, our team has the tools and know-how to make your buying process smooth and stress-free.
Buying a home can be challenging, especially with travel logistics and other factors at play. Our team can help answer any questions you have about buying a home and transporting it to a park or piece of private land.
When you buy from Ken-Co Homes, you're investing in a high-quality product that your family will love for years to come. With more than a dozen home choices, you're sure to find a new home that matches your lifestyle.
We'll work with you one-on-one to ensure you get the home of your dreams. If you have questions or concerns once you move in, give us a call - we're here to help.
We offer detail-oriented, experienced set-up crews that make living life in your new home easy and efficient.
At Ken-Co Homes, we offer flexible financing options to help make buying your dream home a reality.
Whether you're looking for a smaller two-bedroom manufactured home or a large, luxurious four-bedroom manufactured home, our friendly consultants are ready to help you build the home of your dreams.
"Is there a difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home?" is one of the most common questions we get online and in person. Today, many people use mobile home and manufactured home interchangeably. That's understandable because both types of homes share similar features and benefits for homeowners. However, understanding the minor differences can be valuable when searching for a new place to call home.
Unlike site-built homes, manufactured homes are built in a factory. Once completed, they're shipped to a specific location where the homeowner will live. The term "manufactured home" refers to any factory-built home constructed after June 15, 1976. That date is when the HUD or U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development implemented guidelines centered around manufactured home construction.
HUD code requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a base frame with wheels with a minimum of 320 square feet.
Thanks to fast build times and lower material costs, manufactured homes for sale in Patrick, SC is often more cost-effective for home buyers. Compared to traditional site-built homes, many manufactured homes can be up to 35% less than more traditional houses.
Any mobile homes built after June 15, 1976, are considered manufactured homes today, though many people use the term mobile home casually. In the past, these homes were used to travel and were more like the expensive RVs that people use today than true manufactured homes. Back then, mobile homes received a bad reputation due to poor build quality, but they've come a long way since that time. Today, mobile homes are safe, comfortable, and structurally sound, with many types of amenities and floor plans.
Manufactured homes are more popular in the U.S. than ever, and for good reason: prospective homeowners are looking for affordable, quality alternatives to traditional homes. That's especially true today, with inflation on the rise, necessitating more budget-friendly options for anyone who wants to put a roof over their heads.
If you're used to living in a traditional, site-built home, you may be wondering what the advantages are of buying a manufactured home. Here are just a few of the most common benefits of buying a manufactured home:
When you boil it down to the basics, buying a new home is all about the money. One of the most attractive reasons for buying a manufactured home is that they are often much less expensive than traditional site-built homes. Today, manufactured housing is considered a crucial part of the housing shortage solution and a viable option with inflation rising. According to statistics, the average square-foot cost of a site-built home is $107, while the average price is only $49 in a manufactured home. Whether you're sticking to a strict budget or your finances have changed due to poor economic conditions, going manufactured might be your best choice.
Owning a manufactured home gives the homeowner long-term living options. Because basic manufactured homes are usually very affordable, families with enough land can start with a small home and add additional units as their needs change. Manufactured homes are also great as starter homes, especially for families that plan on building a permanent structure on their land in the future. Though it could be logistically challenging, manufactured homes can also be moved to a different site if the initial one was on rented property.
Manufactured homes have received a bad rap over the last few decades. In reality, most manufactured homes are purpose-built for longevity with structural integrity. Every manufactured home built today is subject to the HUD code adopted in 1976. This code is the only federally-mandated code in existence. It was designed to ensure that manufactured homes meet strict standards regarding fire safety, structural design, energy efficiency, transportation to home sites, and overall construction. All manufactured homes sold in the U.S. have a permanent red seal to confirm they meet HUD standards.
When you buy a manufactured home, you may be able to move in faster than you would via traditional routes. Some manufactured homes are even move-in ready in less than 45 days. Compared to a traditional home, once a new manufactured home is built in the factory, buyers usually find that installation is a quick process. Once the manufactured home is delivered, utility work usually moves quickly, regardless of whether you're moving to a park or transporting your home to a piece of land. Before you know it, you're eating, sleeping, and enjoying life in your new manufactured home.
When asked about the pros and cons, many buyers cite energy efficiency as one of the most significant benefits of owning a manufactured home. In general, manufactured housing is more energy efficient than traditional because HUD mandates ensure that homes have high energy efficiency ratings.
These ratings are achieved through upgraded insulation installation, on-demand water heaters, and energy-efficient windows. These upgrades often make entire manufactured homes Energy Star certified. It's no surprise that manufactured homes are 27% more efficient than they used to be with other additions like energy-saving appliances in kitchens and bathrooms.
If you've ever lived in an apartment complex before, chances are you heard sounds and noises through your walls that you never wanted to hear. If you hate hearing your neighbors and despise thin walls, looking for mobile home sales in Patrick, SC is a great idea. Why? Manufactured homes are typically built using separate modules, which reduces sound transference from room to room. When two or more modules are combined and insulated separately, buyers enjoy an even quieter, stronger home with less outside noise.
If there's one disappointing aspect of manufactured homes, the stigma seems to surround them. Yes, mobile homes from 30 or more years ago aren't exactly marvels of construction and deserve to be criticized. However, modern manufactured homes are cut from a different cloth and are often every bit as safe and luxurious as site-built homes.
Here are some of the most common (and annoying) mobile home myths debunked:
Modern manufactured homes are factory-built homes crafted with quality materials that meet comprehensive federal construction and safety standards. These standards, called the "HUD Code," outline how the homes must be built, including safety guidelines. For example, manufactured home builders must take strict measures to ensure their homes are resistant to wind. In terms of hurricanes and tornados, having such measures in place can prevent a tragedy from happening.
The bottom line is that manufactured homes are plenty safe and provide a quality product to people who want a lower-cost option over traditional housing.
One of the most repeated myths surrounding manufactured homes is that they are in poor shape and have an overall poor quality. Today, many manufactured homes are built with quality materials and care. It's not unusual to find a manufactured home with luxurious amenities and features lie state-of-the-art kitchens, high-end appliances, and chic open floor plans. At Ken-Co Homes, we can provide you with a complete list of available upgrades and amenities for you to enjoy in your new home.
Perhaps it's due to their popularity and lower prices, but we often hear that it's hard to find manufactured homes for sale. As seasoned home dealers, we can say this is categorically false. Whether you head over to Google and search for "mobile homes near me in Patrick, SC," or simply head to Ken-Co Homes' website, you'll see plenty of homes to choose from. Contact our office today for a full list of our homes for sale!
When it comes to home prices in today's day and age, manufactured homes are among the most affordable options available.
That's because manufactured homes cost less to construct than site-built homes, with the average price costing $92K for new construction and $60K for a pre-owned manufactured home, according to recent data. The cost of a traditional home is much higher, with an average of $408K, according to Statista data from 2021. Even though manufactured home living costs change depending on the community, they're often much less expensive than their site-built cousins in the long run.
This myth parallels the stereotype that manufactured homes are cheap and poorly built. Unfortunately, many people still believe that living in a manufactured home community isn't safe. They think that the parks are run down and riddled with reprobates. In reality, many manufactured home parks mimic gated communities with 24-hour security and mandated quiet hours. Some manufactured home neighborhoods even offer community-wide amenities like spas and pools. If you're a fan of the gated community lifestyle but don't want to pay hundreds of thousands for a site-built home, a manufactured home community could be your best bet.
Are you giving serious thought to buying a manufactured home for sale in South Carolina? You're not alone - more than 365K people in the Palmetto State live in manufactured homes. At Ken-Co Homes Inc., we're not your average run-of-the-mill manufactured home dealer. We only do business with manufacturing partners committed to building top-quality products that our customers are proud to own.
If you're looking for modern amenities, energy-efficient appliances, unique floorplans, and homes constructed with quality materials, Ken-Co Homes is the company for you. Contact our office today to learn more about our beautiful Clayton homes for sale in Patrick, SC.
The discovery of a body in a lake can be a haunting and tragic event for many people. This recent incident in South Carolina has left authorities with many questions. The identity of the deceased has been confirmed, but the cause and manner of death remain unknown. The incident has attracted international media and general public attention. This news is gaining too much attention from the people. People are very curious to know full information about this incident. Follow us till the end to know all the known facts about the incident....
The discovery of a body in a lake can be a haunting and tragic event for many people. This recent incident in South Carolina has left authorities with many questions. The identity of the deceased has been confirmed, but the cause and manner of death remain unknown. The incident has attracted international media and general public attention. This news is gaining too much attention from the people. People are very curious to know full information about this incident. Follow us till the end to know all the known facts about the incident.
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According to the information, Patrick Funderburk was a 52-year-old resident of South Carolina. He was found dead in Lake Lyman, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. While authorities have not yet released any details about how Mr. Funderburk ended up in the lake, they have confirmed that his body showed no signs of trauma. The news of Mr. Funderburk’s death has likely hit his loved ones hard. Deaths can be especially difficult to cope with when there are unanswered questions. It is essential that authorities conduct a thorough investigation into what caused his death to provide his family with answers and closure.
The recovery of a body from a lake can be challenging for many reasons. The weather, water currents, and depth of the lake can all make it difficult for authorities to find and retrieve a body. Forensic scientists will be conducting an autopsy to determine if Mr. Funderburk drowned or if there was another cause of death. Until the results of the autopsy are released, loved ones will likely be left wondering what happened. The suddenness of death can be devastating to people who are not prepared for it. Mr. Funderburk’s death is a sobering reminder that it is never too early to think about estate planning. Having a will or trust in place can help loved ones during a difficult time, as it can help avoid legal battles over an individual’s assets.
The death of Patrick Funderburk is a tragic event that has left many people seeking answers. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, his loved ones will undoubtedly be in mourning. This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of estate planning and coping with the sudden loss of a loved one. We extend our condolences to Mr. Funderburk’s family and friends during this difficult time. Follow us for more latest updates.
StagbriarThe brother-sister duo of Alex and Emily McCollum at the heart of Stagbriar has long been one of the most exciting indie rock acts in the Carolinas, utilizing sibling vocal chemistry for dynamic verve and atmosphere rather than bluegrass blood harmonies. In recent years, the two have increasingly abandoned any pretense of folk underpinnings, letting the dark shimmer of guitars and drums propel their enigmatic yet charismatic songcraft forward. The troupe plays New Brookland Tavern on Feb. 23 alongside Charleston indie band ...
The brother-sister duo of Alex and Emily McCollum at the heart of Stagbriar has long been one of the most exciting indie rock acts in the Carolinas, utilizing sibling vocal chemistry for dynamic verve and atmosphere rather than bluegrass blood harmonies. In recent years, the two have increasingly abandoned any pretense of folk underpinnings, letting the dark shimmer of guitars and drums propel their enigmatic yet charismatic songcraft forward. The troupe plays New Brookland Tavern on Feb. 23 alongside Charleston indie band Persona La Ave and Columbia’s Outerego. Tickets are $15, doors at 7 p.m. More info at newbrooklandtavern.com. KYLE PETERSEN
Editor’s note: Alex McCollum works for Free Times but does not impact our editorial decisions.
Our Dublin-born grandfather once disparaged St. Patrick’s Day as “amateur night” when it came to the Hibernian art of tipping a few. With so much happening at the 41st Annual St. Pat’s in Five Points festival in Columbia, why not practice to make the holiday perfect with a February St. Practice Day party? Featuring music by Hippies and Cowboys, Nick Stone Band, Opus & The Frequencies and more. The Feb. 25 party at Tin Roof is free. More info at tinroofcolumbia.com PAT MORAN
Celebrate 50 years of hip-hop in South Carolina as the South Carolina State Museum, in partnership with well-known local rapper FatRat Da Czar, puts on its In Full Effect: A Celebration of South Carolina Hip-Hop event. The Feb. 25 event will showcase DJ-ing, breakdancing, Graffiti art and rapping. In Full Effect will last from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a talented lineup that includes FatRat Da Czar, Cedric Umoji and Kobie Da Wiz, among others. More information at scmuseum.org. HALLIE HAYES
Camden’s own Patrick Davis made his name as a songwriter out in Nashville penning tunes for stars from country music and beyond, including performers like Jewel, Robert Randolph, Pat Green, Jimmy Buffett and many more. He could’ve stayed on that path and done quite well, but instead he decided to form a large ensemble called the Midnight Choir and start touring. The Midnight Choir is an 11-to-13 piece band, depending on the night, and it can handle everything from folk to country to Southern rock and beyond. Its show at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College promises to be a joyful noise. Showtime for the Feb. 24 show is 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $40. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more info. VINCENT HARRIS
Gerald Kelly has a multi-dimensional career as a stand-up comic and actor. Russell Simmons calls him the “Black Jackie Gleason,” and he has appeared on season 8 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, Comedy Central, Showtime at the Apollo, BET’s Comic View and Conan O’Brien’s show, among many others. He’s also made a mark in films, appearing in “The Other Brother,” “Death of a Dynasty,” “Cookout 2” and “Budz House.” Kelly is performing two nights at Columbia’s Comedy House, Friday, Feb. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 25. Showtime is 8 p.m. both nights, and tickets are $5. Visit comedyhouse.us for more info. VINCENT HARRIS
Did you know South Carolina had a majority-Black legislature during Reconstruction? Or that Columbia’s Mann-Simmons site was owned by Black entrepreneurs for 130 years? If you’re interested in learning about Black history, or if you’d just like to talk about it with others, check out A Night in Black History hosted by Columbia’s co-working community and event venue Noma Warehouse. The family friendly event celebrates Black culture, history and art with food, live painting and an audience participation fashion show. The Feb. 25 event is free. More info at nomawarehouse.com PAT MORAN
For Pete Townshend, adolescence was a teenage wasteland, while Bruce Springsteen encountered a highway jammed with broken heroes on a last-chance power drive. Rarely does music celebrate the coming of age of a thoughtful female protagonist, however. That makes the journey of self-discovery featured in The Mad Ones all the more special. Opening Feb. 24 at Trustus Theatre and running through March 18, this musical from Kait Kerrigan and Bree Lowdermilk focuses on rebellion, teen angst and one young woman’s struggle to find herself. Tickets run $27 to $35. More info at trustus.org AUGUST KRICKEL
There’s nothing quite like a good Mardi Gras celebration, and on Feb. 25 from noon to 11 p.m., Steel Hands Brewing is bringing just that to its taproom. Grab your friends or mingle and make new ones while enjoying live music throughout the day, starting with the Reggie Sullivan Band at 1 p.m. Eat crawfish, drink tons of craft beer and sport your Mardi Gras beads during this day-long celebration. More information at steelhandsbrewing.com. HALLIE HAYES
If there are two things Columbia generally does well, it’s coffee and bar food. It’s very rare that those two things are ever combined, and that’s why this food truck pop-up at Curiosity Coffee is special. Parabellum Mobile Eats, a new food truck from former Saluda’s Executive Chef Josh Rogerson, will set up shop at the North Main coffee shop from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 23. More info at facebook.com/curiositycoffeebar. HANNAH WADE
Lovers of low brass rejoice because the JC Jazz Ensemble, which is centered on the smooth tones of trombonist Willie Allen, is hosting a Night of Soulful Rhythms at Chayz Lounge. The band parlays pentatonic melodies and light funk grooves into a program of breezy and uncomplicated contemporary R&B and jazz-infused pop. Covered artists include Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Beyonce, Chaka Khan and more. Tickets for the Feb. 23 show are $25. More info at chayzlounge.com PAT MORAN
Ready to find that pot of gold?St. Patrick’s Day is on Friday, but there are multiple events and activities slated in Columbia this week. From bar crawls to 5K runs, there should be something ...
Ready to find that pot of gold?
St. Patrick’s Day is on Friday, but there are multiple events and activities slated in Columbia this week. From bar crawls to 5K runs, there should be something for nearly everyone to enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day.
Here are five ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Columbia area.
When: Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: In Five Points on Devine Street, Harden Street, Green Street, Saluda Avenue, Santee Avenue
Come celebrate 41 years of St. Pat’s in Five Points on Saturday. The premier St. Patrick’s Day event in Columbia routinely draws as many as 40,000 people, so prepare for crowds.
The day kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K, a 10K and 1-mile family fun run. Then line up along the streets with thousands of others to view the St. Pat’s Parade, which starts at 10 a.m. at Devine Street and Sims Avenue.
National, regional and local bands will hit four different stages starting at noon and will play through 7 p.m. Some of the performers will include Moon Taxi, Hippo Campus, Nate Smith and Drivin N Cryin.
There will also be a Pot O’ Gold Playland from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for children that will include amusement rides, a magician, face painting, balloon animals and more.
Tickets for general admission cost $25 until Friday, then will cost $30 at the gate.
For more details on St. Pat’s in Five Points or to order tickets, click here.
When: Friday starting at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Tin Roof at 1022 Senate St.
Come have a glass of green beer at the Tin Roof on St. Patrick’s Day. Live music starts at 5:30 p.m. with Davis & The Love, followed by Phillip Michael Parsons at 9:30 p.m.
When: Friday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Stone Retreat at 121 Alexander Road, West Columbia
The Big Red Barn Retreat will host its first oyster roast fundraising event on St. Patrick’s Day. The event will feature a buffet provided by Haile Street Grill, live music and entertainment, along with raffles.
All proceeds will go toward Big Red Barn, a nonprofit that provides services to help veterans recover emotionally and psychologically.
Tickets will cost $60. To order tickets, click here.
When: Friday, 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Where: Liberty Tap Room & Grill at 828 Gervais St.
Come out on Friday night, Saturday night or both nights for the sixth annual Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl. The event will feature eight different places to visit that will offer drink specials and other activities. Check-in time is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Liberty Tap Room.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Participating locations:
When: Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: MJ’s Grill at 5 Lake Carolina Way Suite 160
Party it up at MJ’s Grill this St. Patrick’s Day. The restaurant’s event will feature live music from The Killer Beez, a beer and food tent, a large seating area and plenty of Irish food and drink specials.
This story was originally published March 14, 2023, 8:00 AM.
Patrick Davis was bored and restless.The musician, raised in Camden, S.C., had spent years in Nashville as a songwriter and had done well for himself. In the city at the heart of music, he’d written or co-written songs for dozens of successful artists, including Pat Green, Jimmy Buffett, Jewel and Robert Randolph.But something was missing.He missed the days of playing smaller shows in places like Columbia’s Five Points. Davis might have made his name as a songwriter, but he longed for the days of performing l...
Patrick Davis was bored and restless.
The musician, raised in Camden, S.C., had spent years in Nashville as a songwriter and had done well for himself. In the city at the heart of music, he’d written or co-written songs for dozens of successful artists, including Pat Green, Jimmy Buffett, Jewel and Robert Randolph.
But something was missing.
He missed the days of playing smaller shows in places like Columbia’s Five Points. Davis might have made his name as a songwriter, but he longed for the days of performing live.
“When you get publishing deals and songs on the radio, and you make a little bit of money, it’s easy to fall into a trap of forgetting what it was you initially enjoyed doing,” Davis said. “The world will tell you what success is, and you’ve got to remember what success is for yourself... I was definitely missing some happiness in my life that had always come about from playing live.”
When Davis found himself at this crossroads in Nashville nearly seven years ago, he decided to change his situation. Some people might have strapped on an acoustic guitar and hit the coffeehouse circuit, but Davis went about as far in the other direction as one can go.
He created a massive ensemble called the Midnight Choir, chock full of horns, guitars and vocalists. Depending on the performance, the Midnight Choir can be 10 to 13 members, often including Davis’ dad on lead guitar.
The band tackles everything from soft folk to country to Southern rock, with Davis at the center telling stories and playing his incisive, melodic songs, many of which helped fund the choir he’s created.
“My career as a songwriter has gone well enough to where I could take on this kind of endeavor,” he said. “(It’s) not an inexpensive situation, so you have to really be able to be able to make all those people happy, not just musically but also where they can pay their bills.”
Making the band happy musically is a priority too, though. During a typical Midnight Choir show, Davis makes sure to shine the spotlight on each member of the large ensemble.
“Musically speaking... I want to make sure everybody feels like they are appreciated,” Davis said. ”(It’s) sometimes hard in a big outfit like that. Everyone wants the final product to be wonderful and a beautiful painting, but you still want people to stand out.”
The ensemble is constantly shifting and evolving, but it’s almost always made up of musicians from South Carolina and Nashville, both of the places that Davis has called home. He also has a keen eye for the kind of musician that will fit in well with the rest of the Midnight Choir.
Davis described it as “the best of both worlds,” pointing to multi-talented musicians with range in their performances like Grammy Award-wining Charleston jazz group Ranky Tanky’s Charlton Singleton on the trumpet and his father on guitar.
“(Singleton) is as talented as anybody in the world when it comes to taking solos, but he can also lay back and just write incredible parts for the horn section... and when I get my dad to play, he can sit back and let me tell a story and then if I say, ‘Hey Dad, crank it up,’ he can crank it up,” Davis said.
Davis and the Midnight Choir will bring their infectious big-band sound to the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College on Friday, Feb. 24, and it’s far more than just another stop on tour. Davis said he’s thrilled to be back in his old home state, some 30 minutes or so from where he grew up.
“It’s always great coming back home,” he said. “When you’re fortunate enough to do what us musicians do, which (is) travel all the time, we go to some cool places. But there’s nothing like coming home.”
Feb. 24. $40. Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College. 7300 College St., Irmo. harbisontheatre.org.
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. E...
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