William McNeely Medical Fund
Donation protected
Gator Family,
We are reaching out because one of own is in need of support. Please take a few minutes to read this in its entirety.
Coach William McNeely, has been like a big brother and mentor to me. And in many cases he’s been my voice of reason. I don't normally ask for much from my Ballantyne Gator parents but this is the one time I really need your support. This has been very emotional for me. I see Coach McNeely every day and I know the sacrifices he's made for the Ballantyne Gators Youth Organization, his family and friends. He is one of the most honest, humble and generous men I know.
It has been somewhat emotional for me, William has always been up beat and happy. Seeing him down but NOT out is hard to come to grips with. I promised him I will do whatever it takes to get him and his family through these tough and trying times.
We have helped families all across this city and many times not really knowing the family but now is the time to help one of our own. Currently, William is on medical leave without pay and will not be able to go back to work for at least 3 months and could take longer. I would like to make sure the McNeely family is taken care of for the next 5/6 months.
As we think back to the years of commitment William has generously given to our players in order to help them learn confidence, leadership, discipline, teamwork and athletic skills, we know there are hundreds of players that are benefiting now from William’s leadership over the years. We are asking you now to support William like he has supported all of us.
William was diagnosed this month with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease - It’s a combination of Scleroderma and Polymyositis. This is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. It affects the muscles, skin and underlying organs specifically the lungs.
Symptoms originally presented in his shoulder and quickly spread to muscles and joints limiting William’s movement. This disease is very difficult to diagnose due to varying symptoms. At this point, it’s affecting his lungs and limiting capacity, thus he’s having to rely on oxygen under exertion.
Fortunately, Scleroderma/Polymyositis is a chronic disease that can be managed. Treatment plans do take a while for the medicine to permeate in the system. Once the treatments permeate the body is able to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation. We are hopeful as the prognosis can be for William to get back to 90% of his normal activity. We simply don’t know how long it will take for the treatment plan to work and allow William to be strong enough to get back to work.
There is an immediate need for financial support to help cover both medical and living expenses. We need to help William be able to focus on himself, he needs rest and to relieve himself of as much stress as possible. If we can help him by relieving the financial burden for his family, he can focus on healing and working his way back to a normal life.
We also ask that you not call William. Due to the weakened lung capacity and reliance on oxygen, talking and visits are exhausting. Texts, emails and letters are more than welcomed. We know he would love to hear from the players themselves.
We also recognize donating money is not always easy. Once the varying Spring Breaks are over we do plan to organize one or more fundraisers. Please expect us to reach out to all current and former players to help participate in the fundraiser.
Families look out for each other, please consider helping William now.
Thank you,
Larry Kennedy
We are reaching out because one of own is in need of support. Please take a few minutes to read this in its entirety.
Coach William McNeely, has been like a big brother and mentor to me. And in many cases he’s been my voice of reason. I don't normally ask for much from my Ballantyne Gator parents but this is the one time I really need your support. This has been very emotional for me. I see Coach McNeely every day and I know the sacrifices he's made for the Ballantyne Gators Youth Organization, his family and friends. He is one of the most honest, humble and generous men I know.
It has been somewhat emotional for me, William has always been up beat and happy. Seeing him down but NOT out is hard to come to grips with. I promised him I will do whatever it takes to get him and his family through these tough and trying times.
We have helped families all across this city and many times not really knowing the family but now is the time to help one of our own. Currently, William is on medical leave without pay and will not be able to go back to work for at least 3 months and could take longer. I would like to make sure the McNeely family is taken care of for the next 5/6 months.
As we think back to the years of commitment William has generously given to our players in order to help them learn confidence, leadership, discipline, teamwork and athletic skills, we know there are hundreds of players that are benefiting now from William’s leadership over the years. We are asking you now to support William like he has supported all of us.
William was diagnosed this month with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease - It’s a combination of Scleroderma and Polymyositis. This is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. It affects the muscles, skin and underlying organs specifically the lungs.
Symptoms originally presented in his shoulder and quickly spread to muscles and joints limiting William’s movement. This disease is very difficult to diagnose due to varying symptoms. At this point, it’s affecting his lungs and limiting capacity, thus he’s having to rely on oxygen under exertion.
Fortunately, Scleroderma/Polymyositis is a chronic disease that can be managed. Treatment plans do take a while for the medicine to permeate in the system. Once the treatments permeate the body is able to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation. We are hopeful as the prognosis can be for William to get back to 90% of his normal activity. We simply don’t know how long it will take for the treatment plan to work and allow William to be strong enough to get back to work.
There is an immediate need for financial support to help cover both medical and living expenses. We need to help William be able to focus on himself, he needs rest and to relieve himself of as much stress as possible. If we can help him by relieving the financial burden for his family, he can focus on healing and working his way back to a normal life.
We also ask that you not call William. Due to the weakened lung capacity and reliance on oxygen, talking and visits are exhausting. Texts, emails and letters are more than welcomed. We know he would love to hear from the players themselves.
We also recognize donating money is not always easy. Once the varying Spring Breaks are over we do plan to organize one or more fundraisers. Please expect us to reach out to all current and former players to help participate in the fundraiser.
Families look out for each other, please consider helping William now.
Thank you,
Larry Kennedy
Organizer and beneficiary
Sharon Hall
Organizer
Charlotte, NC
William McNeely
Beneficiary