CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Muhammad Ali got a hero’s farewell on Friday with a procession through the streets of Louisville followed by his funeral.
A Charlotte family opened up to Channel 9 about their special connection to Ali and his battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Andy and Camille Salisbury, and Mimi Arnold still remember the day they met “The Greatest.”
Andy Salisbury and Arnold’s sister were both diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the 90s.
“When you’re in this position and someone you love has Parkinson’s, you want to do something and there’s not much you can do. But we thought we can raise money to find a cure,” Arnold said.
In 2003, the Charlotteans connected with Ali through his doctor and the boxing legend agreed to help their charity fundraiser where he made an incredible impression.
“He signed autographs. He signed books, boxing gloves. He drew pictures,” Camille Salisbury said.
“When we got to the Duke Mansion, he wanted to meet all the kitchen staff,” Arnold said.
They describe Ali as a kind man who loved people. A compliment echoed by his friend, Billy Crystal, at Friday’s memorial service.
"He was funny. He was beautiful. He was the most perfect athlete you ever saw and those were his own words,” Crystal said.
The world said goodbye to an incredible fighter.
"We love you daddy. Until we meet again. Fly butterfly. Fly,” said daughter Rasheda Ali- Walsh.
And while Ali's fight may be over, Andy Salisbury still battles Parkinson’s alongside his friends and family, and with boxing gloves signed by Ali himself.
Arnold and the Salisburys said they raised more than $1 million in 5 years.
The Salisburys' children are pushing for a cure with their campaign called Pounding the Pavement for Parkinson’s.