If you know our dad, you know him as Coach Opp - a man who has spent over 45 years coaching wrestling, many years playing rugby, and countless seasons playing and coaching football. He has dedicated his life to building young athletes, encouraging kids to believe in themselves, and inspiring everyone around him. He’s been a mentor, a friend, and a second dad to so many.

Growing up, kids often see their dads as superheroes. After this past year, we are more convinced than ever that our dad truly is Superman. But even Superman needs help sometimes.

In October of 2024, our world was turned upside down when our dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer - a diagnosis no one ever wants to hear. True to his spirit, he faced it with strength, courage, and positivity. He went through six rounds of chemo that took a huge toll on his body, causing extreme weight loss, weakness, and confusion. In February, he underwent an intense Whipple surgery - a massive (8 Hour) operation that thankfully removed the cancer with clear margins. We were so hopeful that this would be the turning point. But shortly after, he went into congestive heart failure and needed an emergency pacemaker surgery. Despite his determination, further rounds of chemo nearly cost him his life, and he was forced to stop.

Then life piled on more challenges. In April, our parents were in a serious car accident that left our mom with six broken bones and our dad with major wounds and a concussion. During recovery, he developed pneumonia, which he has battled four separate times since then. He has endured long-term COVID, sepsis, fluid around his heart and lungs, multiple blood clots in his lungs, and ongoing neuropathy. Altogether, he has been hospitalized at least five times in the past year.

And as if his health battles weren’t enough, heartbreak struck. In June, Coach Opp unexpectedly lost his beloved brother - his best friend and strongest supporter. Just twelve days later, he lost his mother. He was released from the hospital the morning of his brother’s funeral and went straight there, refusing to miss saying goodbye. The weight of those losses, combined with his physical struggles, has been almost unbearable.

Today, his health continues to decline. He now needs a cane or walker to get around, struggles to breathe, with dangerously low oxygen levels, all around weakness, and confusion. His strength and clarity come and go, and just recently, he uttered the words, “I feel like I’m dying.”

Western medicine has taken us as far as it can, and we’ve reached a standstill. But we’ve been given a glimmer of hope. A functional medicine doctor has stepped in with an alternative treatment plan of weekly IV infusions, each lasting five hours - three days a week, along with supplements, lifestyle changes, and supportive care. For the first time in a long time, our dad feels hopeful.

Unfortunately, this care is not covered by insurance and comes at a significant financial cost that is overwhelming. That is why we’ve created this GoFundMe. We are asking for help from anyone who has ever been inspired by Coach Opp, learned from him, or simply loves him. Every donation, no matter the size, will help give him a fighting chance at healing and survival. If you cannot give financially, we completely understand. Your prayers, your words of encouragement, your shared memories, and your love mean just as much to him and to our family.

Our dad has spent his life lifting others up, being a mentor, a coach, and a hero to so many. Now it’s our turn to lift him and stand by his side. With your support, we believe there’s still a chance to see our Superman rise again. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, for sharing, and for walking with our family through this difficult time.