Nebraska Greats Foundation Comes Through for Another Small College Nebraska Athlete
The Nebraska Greats Foundation, 501C-3 nonprofit (www.negreats.org) which aids current and former Nebraska athletes in need has provided a grant to Keven Marques, a freshman Midfielder from Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
Keven was admitted to a local hospital in August complaining of severe abdominal pain and severe vomiting. After a series of tests and other procedures, doctors located the cause of the illness and began treatment. Keven made a full recovery.
The Nebraska Greats Foundation assisted Keven, who is largely funding his own education with funds to cover outstanding medical expenses. “I am very grateful for all the help and assistance provided by the Nebraska Greats Foundation. I appreciate and recognize the great work they do in helping people and families who need or have needed help, just like me.” Said Marques.
To learn more about the mission of the NGF or provide tax deductible assistance to athletes in need, please visit out page
In 1977, high school football player Anthony Branch found a home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Not by scholarship or heavy recruiting, but through the school’s developing walk-on program. For Branch, it was simple – he moved from Idaho to Lincoln because he believed in Coach Tom Osborne and the University of Nebraska. And he wanted to prove it.
In 1977, high school football player Anthony Branch found a home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Not by scholarship or heavy recruiting, but through the school’s developing walk-on program. For Branch, it was simple – he moved from Idaho to Lincoln because he believed in Coach Tom Osborne and the University of Nebraska. And he wanted to prove it.
For the next three seasons, Branch poured his heart into the team, earning a spot on the roster as a wingback on teams that won conference titles, played in New Year’s Day Bowl games and finished in the Top Ten. It was during this time he would form an unbreakable bond with his teammates and coaches; a bond that remains just as strong to this day.
Now, 42 years after finding his family on the football field at Memorial Stadium, Anthony Branch is in dire need of our help. Early this month, Branch received a diagnosis of kidney cancer. Shortly after, doctors recommended he have both kidneys removed immediately while those around Branch attempt to expedite the kidney transplant process. Anthony then reached out to the Nebraska Greats Foundation which serves former athletes with emergency medical needs. He tapped into the NGF’s national following for assistance.
“A week ago, I had both of my kidneys removed because of cancer, and I’m in dire need of a new kidney. I know this would be a major, major endeavor for someone to take upon. But it would be greatly appreciated.”
Anthony Branch needs a living-donor kidney transplant immediately. If you are willing to donate or know of anyone who is willing to assist Branch and his family at this time, please click the information below.
After playing football for the University of Nebraska, Branch started a career in financial services and eventually transitioned to real estate investments. For over 35 years, he coached Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, working with kids from third grade through high school.
Branch is a loving father to 10 children and 21 grandchildren. Unfortunately, his kidney issues stem from a hereditary condition called Polycystic Kidney Disease, which is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop around one’s kidneys, causing them to lose function over time. Due to this condition’s genetic nature, Branch’s children and grandchildren are unable to donate.
“I know this would be a major ask, but it would be greatly appreciated. My family and I would be truly blessed, and we would forever be grateful. Thank you.”
In His Words
Anyone who is healthy and eligible to be a kidney donor can give Anthony the gift of life. A donor does not have to be a direct match, can live anywhere in the US, and will have access to donor protections and resources. To learn more please contact:
The Nebraska Greats Foundation Supports a York College Soccer Player
The Nebraska Greats Foundation, which aids current and former Nebraska college or university athletes has provided a grant to Carlos Ortega a sophomore Midfielder from York College. Carlos is originally from Margarita Island, Venezuela.
Carlos applied for a grant to assist him with medical bills stemming from an injury he suffered while competing. The NGF provided funds to a provider for services not covered by insurance.
Said Carlos “I want to thank the Nebraska Greats Foundation for all your help and support. I truly appreciate what the NGF does for athletes in need. It will allow me to stay in school to continue competing and getting a college education.”
The NGF a 501C-3 non profit www.negreats.org seeks applications from any former letter winning athlete who may have a medical need and a financial challenge. The NGF has provided over $500,000 in qualified grants since its founding in 2014.
Former Husker Running Back, 1976 World-Herald boys athlete of the year and Nebraska Greats Foundation recipient Tim Wurth passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022.
Wurth was known as a tenacious football player who had a career total of 766 yards and seven touchdowns. Wurth lettered at NU in 1977 to 1979. He is also in the Omaha Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame.
Zac Wurth wrote on Facebook; “It is with great sadness we announce the death of our beloved dad, Tim. We have had many people reach out and ask what they can do to support us. We ask that if you would like to do anything please support the Nebraska Greats Foundation that helped him in his time of need.”
Without insurance, Wurth applied for a grant from the NGF seeking assistance with Cataract surgery stemming from Type II Diabetes. Wurth also needed assistance with multiple hospital stays as a result of chronic neuropathy.
Former Creighton Athletics Director Rasmussen to join the NGF Board of Directors
Former Creighton Athletics Director Rasmussen to join the NGF Board of Directors
The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501C-3 non profit) www.negreats.org which serves former athletes from Nebraska’s 4-year colleges and universities who face medical and financial challenges, is pleased to announce former Creighton University Director of Athletics Bruce Rasmussen has been elected to a three year term on the Board of Directors.
Says NGF Board President Jerry Murtaugh, “We are very pleased that Bruce is joining our mission of serving former collegiate athletes. Bruce’s career in coaching and athletics administration gives him a special understanding of an athlete’s struggle. He has been a great cheerleader for the NGF. His experience will be a great plus for us.”
Says Rasmussen, “I’m excited and honored to be a part of the NGF. In athletics, its’s ‘once a teammate always a teammate.’ Being on a team is being a team member for life. It isn’t a nice act, it’s a necessary act. The NGF helps our teammates for life.”
Rasmussen retired from CU in the summer of ’21 after a distinguished career first coaching women’s basketball then serving for 28 years as Director of Athletics. During his tenure as AD, The Bluejays reached unprecedented heights in on-field success, off-the-field success, fund raising, facilities, graduation rates, fan engagement and sustainability. The highlight of his career was ushering CU into the Big East Conference and serving as Chair of the prestigious NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Committee.
Since its inception in 2014, the NGF has issued over $400,000 in grants to qualified in-need former athletes.
