United We Stand

The teammates of the Century United 2007 Girls Academy team are asking for your consideration to help a fellow teammate and her family in their time of need.

Only July 19, 2022, West Mifflin educator and coach Tony Salopek was working his summer job cutting down trees when he noticed numbness, tingling, and loss of strength in both his hands. Thinking it was due to the high summer temperatures, Tony headed home, where his son Tony and wife Jill helped him cool off and hydrate. After watching tv for a bit with his family, Tony decided to go to bed early as he still wasn't feeling himself. Within a few hours, Tony reappeared in the family living room after crawling down the stairs from the bedroom. Jill rushed Tony to UPMC Hospital, where he declined quickly, losing his natural reflexes and ability to move. Tony was diagnosed with Gullian-Barre syndrome (GBS), a rare disease where the body's immune system attacks your nerves. Within 48 hours Tony was paralyzed from the neck down and told he needed to be intubated as he had begun to lose his ability to swallow and doctors were concerned he could aspirate and develop pneumonia. Just before Tony was intubated, he gathered his family by his side and told them how much he loved them and would come out of this.

By the grace of God, and unlike others afflicted with GBS who were not as fortunate, Tony slowly began the long road of recovery with his family.

After weeks in the ICU, Tony was transferred to UPMC Montifore where he remained for the next five weeks, working hard not to be dependent on the ventilator and feeding tube. Tony's drive to heal paid off and on September 14th he was ready for transfer and sent to Mercy Spinal Rehabilitation. Upon his arrival, Tony was so weak he could not access most of the equipment during PT and OT sessions. Tony's drive and connection with his family, friends, and community allowed him to progress. Thankfully, the dedicated caregivers and program were as intense and focused on recovery as Tony.

The Salopeks don't know how to quit, despite what may seem like insurmountable challenges to most families. Jill continued to work during the day and spend her evenings with Tony; hours were spent watching their children on a computer from his bed. Kelsey, a former Century player like her sister Kylie, achieved impressive results on the Kent State Women's Soccer Team. As a freshman, Kelsey was selected to the MAC All-Freshman Team, was named MAC Offensive Player of the Week, started 17 of the 18 games, and was the Flashes leader in shots and shots on goal. Imagine balancing your first semester of college, the pressure of Division I athletics, and being away from your family, while knowing your father is fighting to heal. Kelsey's biggest fan and supporter could not attend a single game this season. Young Tony, who his father told before he was intubated to go back to school and continue making the family proud, has also proven his toughness and drive. Tony is thriving academically and went undefeated in his most recent wrestling tournament for UPJ (his father's alma matter). While Kelsey and Tony have persevered away from family, 15 year old Kylie worked equally hard to balance her life. Kylie had a heavy academic load (where she also had impressive success), was rehabilitating from a devastating torn MCL (which abruptly ended both her spring and fall soccer seasons), held down the fort at home, and had a job. Salopeks don't give up.

While in Mercy Spinal Rehabilitation Program, Tony had three hours of PT and OT each day. He went from having slight movement in his thumbs, ankles, neck and core to using arm skates, an arm bike, and Szabo machine. Tony even had the opportunity to meet Ryan Shazier as he advocates for the program and the facility and took time to talk to Tony-talk about motivation!

On November 29th, Tony was released to his home, where a new challenge has begun.

Tony went from having three hours of therapy a day to four hours a week of home visits, a significant decline in time, slowing his progress (but knowing Tony, certainly not stopping it). Insurance provided a wheelchair, which Tony controls with his forehead and finger pad as he is still working hard to gain full motion of his hands. Some home equipment has been provided by insurance but requires a team of caregivers to access it safely. Because Tony still needs assistance with basic daily tasks, home care ($21.00 an hour for a minimum of 8 hours a day, 3-5 days a week) is a primary focus, and is not covered by insurance; home care costs are the responsibility of the family. While PT/OT outpatient visits are covered, transportation is not. When Tony can begin his outpatient visits, it will be the family's financial responsibility to transport him. A particular vehicle will be required to accommodate Tony's wheelchair and due to his age, Tony is not eligible for Access Transportation and will be self-pay. A bed has been placed on the family's first floor, and an outdoor ramp has been installed (which Jill paid $500 for, not including installation), but the bathroom shower on the first floor has a four-inch lip preventing access. The list of challenges is lengthy, but anyone who knows the Salopek family knows there is nothing they won't overcome, especially with our help!

If you've met Tony, Jill, or their children, you know how devoted they are to family and helping others. Tony and Jill work tirelessly to develop the students they interact with as educators into respectful and responsible young adults. Despite the daily challenges and emotional toll, Jill continues to devote hours each week to help the students in her district. While Tony's challenge is vast, Jill is also exhausted, balancing helping Tony, working full time, and being Mom. This family has given tirelessly to others. Many folks reading our request will know Tony from the countless teams he has volunteered to coach over the last decades, including teams in his community on which his children did not play. Tony has coached hundreds of wrestlers, as well as baseball, softball, and soccer in his community. Tony and his family have helped so many others, and now we have an opportunity to help them.

We are asking for donations to assist the family in paying for the rehabilitation costs not covered by insurance. We are asking anyone with a construction background or construction connections to volunteer time to replace the bathroom floor if we can raise funds for materials. The family would be grateful if anyone has access to handicapped-accessible transportation, as this will be a significant cost.

Jill has specifically asked I let everyone know any donations they do not use will be donated to GBS charities. All items donated for PT/OT will also be given to others in need through GBS charities. While there is no cure for GBS, many patients can fully recover, but it can take up to two years or more.

Please consider helping the 2007 Century United Girls Academy soccer team athletes exceed their goal! The girls are taking care of meals with their teammates but are asking for your help to raise funds and awareness for GBS. Please share the Go Fund Me on your social media accounts. We can all work together to help Tony, Jill, Tony, Kelsey, and Kylie.