Amy Gross is battling lung cancer.
The Manteca High teacher was diagnosed with stage IV non-smoker cancer nearly a year ago. But aware of the slim survival rate, Gross has been undergoing alternative treatment.
She’s feeling better these days.
“The treatments have been going well,” said Gross, who did part of her treatments at the UC Davis Medical Center.
She’s had to travel to Mexico for the holistic and alternative treatments.
“Those additional treatments and medicine every three months, (Amy Gross) is spending upwards of $3,500 not covered by her insurance,” Justin Coenenberg said.
He’s the coach of the MHS girls’ varsity soccer team. Every year, his program conducts The Kicking for A Cure, a major fundraising game that brings awareness and hope to the fight against cancer.
“I was so overwhelmed when they chose me,” said Gross on her receiving the news back in October that 100 percent of the proceeds from that Friday, Feb. 1, Valley Oak League game against Weston Ranch High at Guss Schmiedt Field will help her in her ongoing medical treatments.
What’s more, the MHS girls’ soccer program is keeping it within the Buffaloes family.
Gross, who is out of work for obvious health reasons – she’s been employed in the Manteca Unified School District for the past 31 years, and was teaching the freshmen-required Success 101 – has been thankful for her husband, Ron Gross, for coming aboard and taking over her classes.
He was at Modesto Junior College, where he coached the offensive line for the football program and was the head coach for golf, and was hired at MHS at the beginning at the school year.
“Our daughter goes (to MHS) and our twins will also be going there,” said Amy Gross, who has maintained her positive attitude all the while.
Added Coenenberg: “Our coaches, players, faculty, families and friends have all been affected by cancer in some way,” he said.
Kicking for A Cure welcomes any and all donations – send it to: MHS Athletic Booster / Kicking for A Cure, c/o Manteca High School, 450 E. Yosemite Ave., Manteca CA 95336.
For more information, call 209.608.0652.
