Support Coach Jesse in his battle of Parkinson’s and Cancer

Support Coach Jesse in His Battle with Parkinson’s and Cancer

For years, Coach Jesse Cantu has been a cornerstone of the Wharton community. As a dedicated youth football coach, he’s spent countless hours mentoring and guiding young athletes—teaching them not only about the game, but about discipline, teamwork, and character. His impact has stretched far beyond the field, shaping lives and building confidence in generations of young people.

In 2013, Coach Jesse was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It slowly began to limit his mobility and affected the way he walked and talked. He was forced to stop working, and his daily life became increasingly challenging as medications tried to keep symptoms at bay. Even through it all, his spirit never wavered. He remained a source of encouragement and strength to those around him.

Then, on April 10th, 2025, Coach Jesse received even more difficult news—he was diagnosed with cancer. Already facing the ongoing challenges of Parkinson’s, this diagnosis came as a devastating blow to him and to those who love him.

Due to the nature of his Parkinson’s, traditional chemotherapy isn’t an option. He will instead undergo surgery to fight this new battle. As his family, we’re doing everything we can to support him during this time, and we’re asking for help from the community he’s given so much to over the years.

We’ve created this GoFundMe to help cover Coach Jesse’s medical bills, travel expenses, and any costs that insurance won’t cover. Your donation—no matter the size—means the world to us. If you can’t give, sharing this page and keeping Coach Jesse in your prayers is just as appreciated.

Thank you for helping us rally around a man who has given so much to others. Let’s return the love and support that Coach Jesse has poured into our kids, our teams, and our town.

— With love and gratitude,

The Cantu Family