Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Jerry Kill announces Coach Kill Cancer Fund
09/06/2006 | 12:00:00 | Football
Sept. 6, 2006
Courtesy of Southern Illinois Healthcare
CARBONDALE, Ill. - During a football game last fall, Saluki football coach Jerry Kill experienced a seizure. While undergoing diagnostic testing for issues related to his seizure disorder, an X-ray revealed a tumor on his kidney, which was later diagnosed as cancerous.
Although Coach Kill's health condition was the topic of much public reporting and speculation, he kept the information of his cancer diagnosis to his family and very few close friends.
Upon the completion of the fall 2005 football season, Coach Kill underwent the surgery recommended to him by the team of physicians he had consulted. This involved the removal of a portion of one of his kidneys.
While interacting with other patients during his cancer treatment, he discovered that many of them did not have the same resources that he was "fortunate to be blessed with." This inspired him to take action to help people going through similar medical circumstances, but lacking the financial resources that he had.
"Although it might sound strange, this may be one of the best things that has happened to me," Kill said. "Through this disease, I have met many people, and communicated with many others, who are going through the same process that I am.
"I am very fortunate to have the means to continue to seek treatment, but I have met many at the hospital in St. Louis, and many others throughout southern Illinois, who are not as fortunate to have the resources that I am fortunate to be blessed with. This makes me feel both grateful and guilty. Because I have seen first-hand what others have faced, I would like to give something back. I think the hardest moments in dealing with this disease are when I go to St. Louis and see children, middle-aged individuals, and the elderly who may not have the opportunity to see another day."
Coach Kill and his wife, Rebecca, decided to start a charitable foundation for this cause. A national consulting firm contacted the Kills to assist them in setting this up and administering a stand-alone charitable foundation. At the same time, Southern Illinois Healthcare was in the process of expanding its current fundraising efforts in order to increase its community-based health improvement programming and meet future system capital needs. Coach Kill sought out the SIH director of community benefits, Woody Thorne, which led to them working together to create the new Coach Kill Cancer Fund.
"One of our core values at SIH is collaboration, and this opportunity for us to work with Coach Kill is consistent with that," Thorne said.
Proceeds from the Coach Kill Cancer Fund will be used to assist low-income southern Illinois residents with medical costs due to cancer or other childhood diseases not covered through other private and public means. Fund proceeds may also be used to assist patients and their families with the associated expenses resulting from medical treatment such as transportation and lodging.
"It's a unique and interesting way to help those in need," said Thorne.
A dedicated group of individuals have volunteered to be on an advisory team. They will be working to raise awareness of the fund and seek additional financial support from the southern Illinois community to enhance the impact of this work. Others wishing to donate to the fund can do so by forwarding a check made payable the Coach Kill Cancer Fund, Attn: Paula Frisch, P.O. Box 3988, Carbondale, IL 62901.
Individuals wishing to become involved can also attend an upcoming Touchdown Club Tailgate prior to the Oct. 21st SIU Football game. For information about a special ticket package including the pre-game tailgate, contact Julie Beck, Saluki Athletics at 453-5153. The Coach Kill Cancer Fund Touchdown Club Tailgate package includes a ticket to the game, refreshments, wristband and t-shirt, halftime walk with Coach Kill and game day recognition.
