Rival Team Helps Iowa High School Coach With Cancer Expenses

This is a story of two Iowa high school volleyball teams, who after digesting the life-changing news revealed by one coach, made sure to bump, set and spike their Iowa nice into high gear while keeping their rivalry strictly on the court.

KCCI-TV says West Des Moines Valley volleyball coach Jeremy Mikesell learned in May he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Mikesell was there for his team's game against West Des Moines Dowling high school Tuesday night when the opposing school gave him an unforgettable gift and an amazing sense of motivation to keep fighting.

Not only did each player deliver a hand-written note of encouragement as part of a special care package and gift basket, Mikesell got a standing ovation. Prior to the game, individual cash donations were collected as well, which were added to the over $4,000 raised through a GoFundMe account to help with Mikesell's cancer-related care and expenses.

The story gets better, as doctors say Mikesell definitely has the "eye of the tiger" (his team's mascot). They express great optimism for a full recovery as he is starting seven weeks of radiation at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City next Monday, following what they say has been a successful series of treatments so far.

We share in the optimism for Jeremy Mikesell's continued recovery. Learn more about his battle and donate to help in his treatment here. You may be inspired by this story to make a donation to Jeremy Mikesell's relief fund. Winning $10,000 will give you the chance to do that and more. So, download our free mobile app and listen for the Workday Payday code words, starting next week.

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