Bridget McPhillips
WAYNE STATE COLLEGE RECIPIENT BRIDGET MCPHILLIPS
The Nebraska Greats Foundation is an organization dedicated to helping former and current college athletes from any of Nebraska’s four year colleges and universities. The NGF is pleased to announce a grant to Bridget for assistance with her medical needs.
In 2012, Bridget exploded onto the field her freshman year at Wayne State College! She was a major contributor in over 12 games in her tenure and recorded five shots with two on goal for on goal percentage of .400. She also had record high shots vs. Winona State on 10-21-12.
Bridget was diagnosed with Stage 3 Primary Angiosarcoma. Bridget, with her husband Zach and their three children, Maverick, Gloria and Blair, began this journey with an amazing support system that included the help of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.
Bridget researched and located an amazing group of physicians in Houston for her diagnosis, surgery and treatment. She applied to the NGF for help with medical bills and travel expenses.
Thankfully, her surgery was successful! However, she will continue to have chemo treatment for eight months in Lincoln and has regular follow-ups in Houston.
The Nebraska Greats Foundation remains committed to extending support to former and current athletes like Bridget, who have contributed significantly to Nebraska's rich sporting history.
Since inception, Nebraska Greats Foundation has awarded over $800,000 in grants to help former letter-winners when they needed the most help.
Says Bridget,
“I want to thank the Nebraska Greats Foundation, for your incredible generosity. This grant will help me to receive the best care possible for my type of cancer, which requires frequent visits out of state.
This journey has been extremely difficult, but having the support from the NGF helps alleviate so much stress and worry.
Everyone in this foundation has been a joy to work with and I have felt cared for by the people helping me. I really can't thank you all enough!”
Recipients
Bridget McPhillips(2024) - Soccer, Wayne
Bridget contributed in over 12 games in her tenure and recorded five shots with two on goal for on goal percentage of .400.
She was diagnosed with Stage 3 Primary Angiosarcoma. Bridget began her journey to recovery with the help of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.
Dawnn Tucker(2023,2025) - Basketball, Wayne State
Dawnn was a promising and hard-working team player at Wayne State College. She transferred to Wayne in 1987 to become a junior college women’s basketball star.
In March 2022, Dawnn was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a disease that has marked a new chapter in her life.
“I am beyond blessed and grateful that the Nebraska Greats Foundation is able to help with an accessible bathroom and a ramp for the front door. These things are going to make my life so much easier as I journey through my battle with ALS. I’m honored to become part of the Nebraska Greats Foundation family! Thank you from the bottom of my Heart for your generosity. You guys are Amazing!” -Dawnn.
Drew Caskey(2021) - Football, Wayne State
I am forever grateful to the Nebraska Greats Foundation because without them, my dream of traveling to New York to undergo Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR), by renowned orthopedic surgeon, Edwin P. Su, M.D., and receive the “gold standard” of hip resurfacing implants, would have stayed just that, a dream and never a reality. Thank you for helping me get back to winning in the game of life!”
