Recipient Stories

In 1976, Porter suffered a serious injury that significantly affected his playing career.
Despite this setback, he faced the challenge with determination and resilience, qualities
that would continue to define him well beyond his years on the field.
"My wife, Diane, and I want to express our deep gratitude to the Nebraska Greats Foundation Board of Directors for the grant that will help us immensely.
The money will provide the in-home healthcare I desperately need. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts." - Budge

In late February 2024, Mark underwent surgery in Indianapolis to repair a cerebral spinal fluid leak near his right ear. Unfortunately, just one week later, on March 5, Mark experienced a brain hemorrhage while at home with his wife, Ann. She recalled that Mark began losing his balance before ultimately collapsing. He was immediately transported to the hospital, where he remained for an extended recovery period. Mark spent three months at a rehabilitation facility in Chicago, followed by another three months in Iowa, before finally returning home to continue outpatient therapy.
During his recovery, Mark reached out to the Nebraska Greats Foundation for assistance with home health care services and medical equipment. NGF was honored to step in and provide support during his time of need.

Todd Honas, a former Husker Football player participated with the Huskers from 2016-2020. Todd currently lives in Omaha and is pursuing a Law degree from Creighton University. During his time at Nebraska, he suffered numerous concussions. Todd enjoyed a successful career at UNL, but unfortunately now suffers from post-concussion issues. His hearing has worsened and he reached out to the Nebraska Greats Foundation for help with his medical bills and neurotherapy treatments.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to the Nebraska Greats Foundation for awarding me this grant. As both a former student-athlete and a future advocate, this support means the world to me. It not only eases the financial burden of my recovery but also motivates me to continue advocating for others that may need help.”

Jay Sims, former Nebraska Football player from 1994-1997 has significant medical issues with an underlying diagnosis of hypertension.
In addition he has chronic renal failure and cerebral vascular disease, all of which have led to a debilitating stroke. He has had difficulty regaining mobility from his left hemiparalysis. He reached out to the NGF to help with the expense of a Cionic sleeve for his left leg.
I would like to thank Nebraska Greats Foundation for their generous support. My family and I can now continue to focus on my recovery from a stroke without the strain of medical bills. I will always be grateful for your help and support.
–Thank you,
Jay Sims

Rick had been navigating through a series of health adversities, including spinal complications.
The Nebraska Greats Foundation approved a grant to provide Rick with a new scooter and dentures, aiming to improve his mobility and quality of life.

Growing up in Ohio, Evan Taylor developed his skills on the basketball court before moving to Florida at the age of 13.
During his time at UNL, Evan Taylor became a vital member of the team. He had to leave his team due to ongoing foot and leg issues. With the help of his family, friends, and, of course, The Nebraska Greats Foundation will be quickly on his way to recovery.
“I extend my gratitude and deepest appreciation for everyone who is a part of the foundation.” – Said Taylor.

As a team captain, he played a pivotal role in leading the Huskers to 22 wins in his senior year
Anton continued to pursue his passion for basketball, playing in several foreign countries. However, he encountered health concerns that started getting in the way of his professional basketball career.
This is where the Nebraska Greats Foundation stepped in.

“I am honored and extremely grateful to be a part of the Nebraska Greats Foundation family. My family and I appreciate all the support as we navigate getting my career back on track.” -Anton Gill

Paul Kastl lived his dream to play Husker Football. The former Lincoln Pius X running back was a powerful part of one of the nation’s top rushing offenses. But injuries lingering from football began to make times tougher later in life. Medical bills started piling up. The NGF arrived with help.
“I had nowhere else to turn. My insurance wasn’t adequate. The Nebraska Greats really helped me out. Can’t thank them enough.” -Paul Kastl

This Omaha native evolved into not only one of the most accomplished swimmers in state history, but Keefe Lodwig became a world-class swimmer and a champion master’s swimmer. But in his 70s, ALS crept in and after being victimized by criminal theft that left Keefe with no insurance, the NGF took over and made the last months of his life more comfortable for both Keefe and his family.

“ALS is a progressive disease where the victim never gets better, only worse. It’s very hard on the family and can cause tremendous stress. The Nebraska Greats Foundation worked with all the caregivers to make things better for me and my family. I’m so grateful to the Nebraskans who support this cause. Thank you!.”
– Keefe Lodwig

Keefe Lodwig passed away January 27, 2023
Keefe Ludwig August 3, 1943 - January 27, 2023

Former Husker football walk-on Anthony Branch approached the Nebraska Greats Foundation in the Fall of 2022 seeking assistance as kidney disease required a kidney transplant. The NGF put its network of followers and fans to work, and in the spring of 2023, a suitable donor was found.
“The Nebraska Greats Foundation saved my life. I had no idea that when committing to the University of Nebraska back in high school, the people of Nebraska were committing to me for the rest of my life.” – Anthony Branch

Bernard Day, a two-year standout for Husker Basketball from 1985-87 received a grant to support his recovery from reconstructive knee surgery. Day helped lead Nebraska into its first NCAA Tournament game in 1986 and to the NIT Final Four in 1987 as a two-year starter for coaches Moe Iba and Danny Nee.

Lightner was infected with COVID-19 while visiting Lincoln from Japan and spent 32 days in the hospital. His fever spiked to 104 degrees, he suffered cardiac arrest, a collapsed lung and was in an induced COMA for 10 days. His treatment costs ran into the seven figures. The NGF assisted with care not covered by insurance. Said Lightner, “The bills piled up quickly. The NGF stepped in and took this burden off our shoulders. I will be forever grateful.”

A former Husker walk on from New Jersey, Walker was an impact player on special teams for the 1988 Big 8 Championship squad. His career highlight was a punt block returned for a touchdown in a 1987 game against UNLV. The NGF assisted Cartier after treatments for prostate cancer for provider expenses not covered by insurance.

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.

Tim Wurth passed away April 30, 2022
November 19, 1957 - April 30, 2022

Miss Henry, a cancer survivor needed assistance with transportation to and from Chemotherapy treatments.

Darrel Walton was a standout high school performer at Omaha South High School who played Nebraska football in the Mid 1970’s ’75-78 on athletic scholarship. He moved to defensive back for his senior season as the Huskers captured the Big 8 Crown and played in the Orange Bowl.
The Nebraska Greats Foundation assisted Darrel with post-operative expenses not covered by insurance after surgery for a chronic knee injury.

Best known as the bruising fullback that paved the way for Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch, Miller suffered from chronic back and knee injuries that required multiple surgeries and much outpatient care. The NGF assisted Miller with these needs which allowed him a faster recovery and to enroll in post-graduate courses to pursue a career in nursing.

Harris was a standout performer during her collegiate career, bringing distinction and championships to Husker Gymnastics. Later in life, Harris began to develop serious Gastrointestinal and related illnesses that forced her to give up her career. After years of struggle, the Nebraska Greats Foundation provided Tami with funds to enter the Mayo Clinic where her condition was identified and a treatment program was created.

One of the most celebrated athletes in the history of Omaha Bryan High School, Clark finished his career in the top ten in rushing yards in Husker history. He played three seasons in the NFL. The NGF assisted Clark with expenses related to chronic heart disease before he passed away of a heart attack.

An early pioneer in the dynasty of Husker Gymnastics, Unger was the victim of a serious bicycle accident that left him permanently disabled. The NGF purchased a motorized wheel chair that brought him mobility and allowed Jim and his wife to resume operating a popular gymnastics academy in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Former All-American was the NGF’s first recipient. Felled by Multiple Sclerosis, the NGF provide Humm assistance before he qualified for support from the National Football League.

Popular Husker who led the team in minutes played in 1980 and well known for his singing voice at major sports events, Steels battle with cancer was aided by a grant from the NGF. He passed away in 2014.

After an excellent college career, Ade played professionally around the world with growing knee injuries. He returned home to California to care for his ailing family exhausting all of his resources. The NGF partnered with several Nebraska health organizations to provide key procedures to repair his damaged knees.

Inspirational former walk on from Lincoln High, Skoda played on two Husker national title teams. He lost a valiant battle with cancer. The NGF brought peace of mind to his family in the waning months.

A standout performer in the late 1990’s, Florence received assistance from the NGF to provide for travel expenses incurred when cancer required treatments far from his home.

George was a former Nebraska football player. After his playing days, Mills transitioned into a career as a real estate sales broker in Omaha and also spent time coaching high school football. George reached out to the Nebraska Greats to help cover costs of medical bills not covered by insurance.

George Mills passed away in 2024.

George Mills 1953-2024