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It's a sad story that moved and inspired me the moment I first heard it, one that makes you turn to love ones and realize you can't put a price on life.
When life isn't fair and there is no explanation that will ease the pain, the one thing you can do is bust your butt and try to make the future as bright as possible for those affected the most.
I'll never forget when Lyons assistant coach Andy Newcomb, who I've known since his days building the Providence soccer programs, called this past summer and told me the story about the wife of former Lyons assistant soccer coach and current Rolling Meadows assistant coach Mike Drenth.
At the time last August, Diana, 31, was battling leukemia. The mother of a 1-year-old little girl had undergone several rounds of chemotherapy and then a stem cell transplant last March. Less than 90 days after her transplant, she relapsed. Because of severe risk of infection, Diana had been in isolation. Mike took a leave of absence from coaching and teaching to take care of Diana and their daughter, Lucy.
Diana lost her battle last November.
Not only did Mike lose his wife, a family lost a daughter and sister, but most of all - Lucy lost her mom. I wish I could go back, change the past and give my life instead so Lucy's mom was still here. I can't do that, but I can help to make sure Lucy's future is bright and that her mom is not forgotten.
Instead of agreeing that it's a sad story, please step it up and help Lucy. This could have been your mother, your daughter or your friend. Times are tough for everyone, but it's never too tough to help - especially for a little girl.
Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I'm a big believer in paying forward. I'm also a big believer in making sure you help the community.
When I created the All-Area Soccer Awards Banquets, which grew to be the largest soccer awards banquets in Illinois each spring and fall, I made sure the memory of former Lincoln-Way girls soccer player Michele Bingham was honored each year. Bingham, a freshman, was killed in May 1994 when a car drove onto a practice field in Frankfort, struck and killed Bingham. Each banquet, the team that performed the most community service received a $500 donation to buy new equipment for their program.
When I created the Rising and Senior Star Classics, showcasing the top talent in the south suburbs each November, the event raised money for Project Share - a charity that supports the less fortunate during the holiday season.
When I created the Pepsi Showdown boys six years ago, I wanted to make sure the largest tournament in the Midwest and third largest in the country was more than just soccer. So when former Wheaton Academy coach Chip Huber asked me to help support his trips to Africa, it was easy to say where do I signup? Each year now, it's become a habit for coaches and players in the tournament to donate to the cause.
Just a little effort each year has made countless children smile in Africa. Don't believe me, ask Huber.
Please understand this is not about me. I'm trying to show you specific examples of how you can be a part of a great event, help support the sport and players and at the same time make a difference in someone's life.
I'm asking for your support on Sunday, April 5.
The Chicago Fire and Pepsi Showdown have teamed up and will once again have a soccer doubleheader that day. Not only is it the home opener for the Fire, who will host the N.Y. Red Bulls at 2 p.m., but Toyota Park also will be the site of the Pepsi Showdown girls title game at 4:30 p.m. Presale Fire tickets are $25, $3 cheaper than face value if you were to walk up to the Toyota Park box office and buy one for that date. For $25, you will support the Fire and high school soccer, and $5 of each ticket will be donated to the Diana Drenth Fund.
You have a chance to come out, be a part of the Fire's home opener, see the Pepsi Showdown title game and help raise money for Lucy. It's on a Sunday, and this is the only high school girls soccer game in town that day. It's in the afternoon, so you won't miss church and it gives you time to do whatever you need to do in the morning.
It might be 70 and sunny or it might be 30 and raining or snowing that day. Don't let that stop you though, because I'm sure Diana's family would do whatever it could if it would bring her back.
You don't have to be a part of the Pepsi Showdown to help make a difference by enjoying a discounted Fire game, while also supporting high school soccer.
It's easy to turn your head and think someone else will help. But look at that photo one more time at the top of the blog. Look at it. In the end, you'll be helping Lucy.
Ticket information may be obtained by visiting: http://www.pepsishowdown.us/G_tickets.html
Cell Phone Alerts
Joe - Thanks for the story. It does make you stop and think about important stuff in life. Is there a way to make a donation without buying a ticket? Is there an address or web site to make a donation directly? Thanks.
Such a sad story, but thanks for passing it along Joe! We still talk about your banquets to this day. A lot of good memories.
Joe,
Thanks for sharing the story and continuing the support for Mike and his daughter Lucy. While I never played for Coach Drenth, I did have the opportunity to coach against him in 1 of my first 2 years as a coach at CLS. I have also heard from several other RMHS soccer alumni that had the opportunity to play for him that he was 1st class as a coach, but more importantly as a person as well.
Just thought I'd pass along some info. regarding another Drenth benefit in case any other RM soccer alum are out there reading. On May 16th, the soccer alumni of RMHS will be bringing hosting an alumni game (after a 5 year hiatus). A $10 donation is required to play and that will go towards a college scholarship fund for Lucy. Currently we have 27 confirmed alumni playing and 19 maybes...so here's hoping we can break 40, as that would be great for our first year doing this for a sad story, but great person and cause!!! You can register/confirm attendance on facebook by searching event named:
Rolling Meadows Alumni game/Drenth Benefit. Family and friends welcome, the more donations the better!!!