Coach Reape needs help

Mike Reape known as Coach to literally thousands of students that he coached, mentored or served as a role model to over the years is now facing one of life’s very difficult challenges. Over the past year Mike has not been feeling well and was hospitalized several times. After much testing and several opinions Mike found out that he needs a liver transplant. He is currently being evaluated for proper placement on a donor waiting list and the hope is that he will receive an organ donation within the next 6-8 months. Because of the severity of his condition, this placement is extremely critical. The transplant will be followed by a significant recovery and rehabilitation period.

Mike's doctors are prescribing lots of rest and TLC while he waits for the transplant so he will not be able to work. This hiatus from work, his ongoing living expenses and the cost of his medical expenses, which are not covered by medical insurance, will place a very heavy burden on him.

It's time to show Mike how much he means to us and that he is not alone in this fight! This avenue was chosen in hopes that anyone who would like to donate to his fight has the opportunity to do so. Any funds raised will go directly to his medical and living expenses accumulated now through his long recovery period. Please share this with your friends, family and colleagues – even if they don’t know Mike, if you care so will they. And even if anyone is unable to make a donation at this time positive thoughts and prayers are highly appreciated.

Coach Reape has made an indelible mark on the basketball landscape of Staten Island, with high school and independent league success for more than two decades. Mike has been involved with youth and adult sports activities that include the Unity Games, Senior and Special Olympics, coaching high school and AAU Basketball. Mike was awarded the “Unsung Hero Award” by the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame.

He coached in the JCC Maccabi Games a record 8 years. During that time he led the basketball team to 3 Gold and 2 Silver Medals. He became varsity head coach at Tottenville High School, capturing its only Island PSAL title in 1998 and earning berths in the SIHSL Tournament Championship game in 2004 and 2005. He received the Coach of the Year award twice during his tenure, compiling an overall record of 149-95.

Mike would later coach the SIA Academy Girls Varsity Team where he received the NYS Private School Coach of the Year in 2009 while leading them to the NYS championship game and rebuilding their program. He worked at the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island for 20 years with the last 10 years as Sports and Recreation Director.

But that’s Mike’s professional life. The most important part of his life is what kind of person he is. Mike has always been a caring, giving person and most of the time his acts of kindness are done without a lot of recognition.   For example, he regularly visits a friend with dementia, who may not remember him but does know that Mike was someone from his better times and makes him smile and full of good cheer. This may seem simple but the truth is most of us don’t take the time to do visits like these.

In a strange twist, Mike who is now in need of support, successfully coordinated two fundraising drives for others who had need of help.  His efforts helped to raise tens of thousands of dollars. And as he now is receiving help with transportation to hospital appointments, Mike was a driver for the Gift of Life bus which provides just this kind of service. It’s hoped that all the kindness that Mike gave so willingly over the years will now help him in his time of need.

Those who also know Mike well or follow his Facebook page know about his immediate family- 2 Irish Wolfhounds, Kobe and Brian May and a small rescued black cat named Madame who rules the household with an iron paw.

He also has a sister, Theresa, and niece and nephew who live in Ireland.  With everyone’s help – friends, family, colleagues and all those whose lives Mike touched – Mike’s burden will be eased and he can focus on getting well.