By Brandi Makuski

Friday’s SPASH football game won’t be a typical Homecoming face-off against Marshfield; this year’s game is being played in honor of a Panther alum who was recently diagnosed with cancer. 

Class of 2014 graduate Tyler Jaworski was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in May. The former Panther has been unable to return to his job as manager of the UW-Platteville football team because of his ongoing treatment, according to his aunt Jenny Konkol.

“There are some good days and some bad days,” Konkol said. “I don’t know if he’ll be able to make the game on Saturday-it depends on how his chemo goes- but they’re playing for him.”

Konkol and others in the family have organized fundraising efforts to help benefit Jaworski, as well as a new cancer center at Ministry St. Michael’s planned for next year and the Marshfield Clinic.

Konkol said the family also had t-shirts created to help support the cause. More than 1,700 have been sold so far, she said.

A basket raffle will also take place during Friday’s home game at Goerke Field. Kontol said tickets for the raffle will be sold up until halftime and winners announced during the third quarter.

“I am so impressed with how many people are standing up and helping out with everything,” Konkol said, fighting back tears.”The community really comes together for this stuff.”

For additional information, please see the Facebook event “Black Out Cancer— SPASH Football” or contact Amy Helton at (715) 570-4860.