In Their Words...

Paul Kastl

"I’d like to say that I’m honored and blessed to have been introduced to the NE Greats foundation and their amazing staff. They have come to my side in a great time of need. I cannot thank them enough.”

Football - University of Nebraska Lincoln

Gerald Morris

“The NGF is truly one of the things that give me faith in humanity…those who have the willingness to others in need.”

Football - Concordia University

Jose Calderon

“The Nebraska Greats Foundation was help from heaven, without their help I would not have been able to pay for the hospital bills. I am very grateful for the help they have given me and the assistance they gave me. They are an incredible foundation, very professional and concerned.”

Soccer - York College

Giovanni Froldi

At an NAIA school and coming from a foreign country (Brazil), I needed help with an injury. Me and my family couldn't afford some of the care I needed. In came the NGF and it stood behind me.

Soccer York College
Nebraska Greats Foundation Recipient

Tesla Oldfield-Davis

After I was diagnosed with ALS, the Nebraska Greats came to me and asked 'what can we do?'  There is a lot of stuff insurance doesn't cover.  The NGF bought me a special bed that gives me comfort.  Maybe a little thing to most.  But a very big thing to me.

Softball/Cross Country Peru State
Nebraska Greats Foundation Recipient

Ade Dagunduro

After exhausting all of my own funds to pay for medical care, I was between a rock and a hard place. The Nebraska Greats Foundation worked with doctors and hospitals to get me surgery I couldn't afford so I could get back on my feet. Thank you, NGF.

Basketball UNL
Nebraska Greats Foundation Recipient

Joel Brott

My MS (multiple sclerosis) was getting worse and I needed to get hydro therapy each day. The NGF put a therapy tank in my house. I use it every day. It restores the confidence in myself I'd lost. How do you really thank somebody for that?

Football Concordia University
Nebraska Greats Foundation Recipient

Larry Florence

Battling cancer requires travel for treatments. My insurance doesn't cover travel. Without the NGF, I couldn't go to the treatments. It's that simple. The NGF has saved my life.

Basketball UNL
Nebraska Greats Foundation Recipient

Josh Jones

When I got that call from the Nebraska Greats Foundation---that said they would help. Man.....it changed my life. It CHANGED MY LIFE!

All-American Basketball Creighton
Nebraska Greats Foundation Recipient

Jim Unger

After my accident, I couldn't do anything. I couldn't move. My life stopped. The Nebraska Greats stepped in, bought me a motorized wheel chair. It put me back in 'the game of life.' Now, I'm back to setting goals for myself just like when I was an athlete.

All-American Gymnastics UNL
Nebraska Greats Foundation Recipient

Tami Harris

It wasn't easy for a former All-American athlete to ask for help. Thank God I did. I was at the end. I had lost all hope. And then the Nebraska Greats Foundation gave me hope back.

All-American Gymnastics UNL
Nebraska Greats Foundation Recipient

Willie Miller

The NGF stepped in and was a lifesaver for me. It has given me a whole new life. When we need it, we need to reach out and let this foundation help.

Football UNL 1997-2000
Nebraska Greats Foundation Recipient

Brianna Perez

I had medical bills that I couldn't afford to pay...I came across the NGF and they just seemed too good to be true. I am honored to be the first female recipient and am thankful to have found this unique organization.

Softball - York College
Nebraska Greats Foundation Recipient

David Humm

You never think you're going to be that person in the middle of a story that says you need help. What an honor and relief for me and my family to have the support of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.

All-American Football UNL
Nebraska Greats Foundation Recipient

Meet the Nebraska Greats We've Helped

Adam Skoda
Adam Skoda
Football, UNL

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.

Ade Dagunduro
Ade Dagunduro
Basketball, UNL

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.

Alan Pogue
Alan Pogue
Football/Basketball/Baseball, Dana College

Pogue was a cancer victim forced to long and expensive hospital stays. He passed away in Oct, 2015. The mounting costs from inadequate insurance placed great stress on Pogue’s survivors. The NGF provided a grant covering much of Pogue’s lingering costs.

Anthony Steels
Anthony Steels
Football, UNL

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.

Brianna Perez
Brianna Perez
Softball, York College

A standout softball player, Perez suffered from chronic knee trouble that eventually required significant medical attention. Immobile, Perez was unable to work yet and needed assistance from the NGF as medical bills and student loan payments mounted. The NGF grant eased her burden and now she is back working full time.

Danny Fulton
Danny Fulton
Football, UNO

One time NCAA record holder for receiving yards in a season, he was a 2 time All American for the Mavs. Finished with 152 career catches and 26 touchdowns. Played three seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and the Cleveland Browns. He passed away from complications from Cancer. The NGF supported his care in the last year of his life.

Dave Humm
Dave Humm
Football, UNL

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.

Giovanni Froldi
Giovanni Froldi
Soccer, York College

Gio, a native of Brazil is a member of the York College Dean’s list and a standout performer for York College. The Nebraska Greats Foundation supplemented his NAIA student-athlete benefits by providing care for an arm injury.

James Kiehn
James Kiehn
Football, UNO

Standout performer for the UNO Mavericks of 1984 that finished #2 in the nation. He also served in the US Navy as a fighter pilot until Pancreatic Cancer claimed him at the age of 55. The NGF supported Kiehn in his valiant fight.

Jim Unger
Jim Unger
Gymnastics, UNL

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.

Joel Brott
Joel Brott
Football, Concordia University

Brott suffers from early stage complications from Multiple Sclerosis. Living in rural Nebraska, he was forced to travel many miles for hydro-therapy treatments. The NGF installed a hydro-therapy device in his home that now allows him more regular treatments and less interruption in his family-owned small business.

Josh Jones
Josh Jones
Basketball, Creighton University

Former Omaha Central and Bluejay standout, Jones suffered from genetic heart condition that forced his retirement from athletics while still enrolled in school. The NGF provided residual co-pays from Jones’ NCAA insurance benefits toward major surgical procedures and after care. Today, Josh is one the NGF’s most passionate supporters.

Ken Clark
Ken Clark
Football, UNL

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.

Larry Florence
Larry Florence
Basketball, UNL

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.

Tami Harris
Tami Harris
Gymnastics, UNL

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.

Tesla Oldfield-Davis
Tesla Oldfield-Davis
Softball/Cross Country, Peru State

A standout, two sport performer for the Bobcats, she was diagnosed with ALS before her 30th birthday. As the disease progressed, the Nebraska Greats Foundation provided valuable equipment her family insurance would not cover. These facilities have allowed her more restful sleep and slowed the degenerative effects of the disease.

Willie Miller
Willie Miller
Football, UNL

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.

Jonathan Hayes
Jonathan Hayes
Basketball, Dana College

The NGF assisted Hayes with lingering expenses from his cancer treatments not covered by insurance and from outstanding expenses related to surgical procedures.

Darrell Walton
Darrell Walton
Football, UNL

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.

Sue Henry
Sue Henry
Gymnastics, UNL

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

John Morse
John Morse
Basketball-Baseball, UNO

The NGF assisted Morse with prescription medication to address his diabetes that was not covered by his insurance.

Dennis Stahlnecker
Dennis Stahlnecker
Baseball, Bellevue University
Facing bankruptcy, Dennis reached out to the NGF for assistance with outstanding invoices from emergency hospitalization for heart disease and pneumonia. His disability insurance did not cover all of his medical related expenses.
Adam Driver
Adam Driver
Track and Field Hastings College

Adam Driver was an elite Pole Vaulter for the Hastings Broncos and competed in national championship meets. He was injured in an industrial accident shortly after leaving college. The NGF provided Adam with equipment and facilities so that he could remain active. He is now an assistant Track and Field coach at his Alma Mater.

Preston Hall
Preston Hall
Football, UNK
Hall survived a near fatal automobile accident, spent 20 days in the hospital before enduring months of physical therapy.  A walk on to the Loper football team, the NGF assisted the family in meeting the insurance deductible.
Tim Wurth
Tim Wurth
Football, UNL

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.

Cartier Walker
Cartier Walker
Football, UNL

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.

Drew Caskey
Drew Caskey
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!”

Keven Lightner
Keven Lightner
Football, UNL

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.”

Rocco Gonnella
Rocco Gonnella
Football, UNO
Rocco Gonnella, from Syracuse, NY is struggling from the effects of end-of-life issues including dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and diabetes in addition to treatable but not curable throat cancer. He needs around the clock nursing care, transportation, and medication. The NGF grant will supplement his Medicare Benefits.
Christofer Monje
Christofer Monje
Soccer, York College

Christofer Monje, a senior Goalkeeper for the York College Panthers recently underwent facial surgery after being injured in a game. Medical expenses exceeded those covered by school provided insurance. Monje, originally from Santiago, Chile applied for a grant to cover those expenses directly related to the procedure and post operative care.

“When it came to cover the medical expenses, it was really hard, and more so being an international student. This is when The Nebraska Greats Foundation came to help me. Without them I couldn’t afford this injury and might have had to leave school.”

Jose Calderon
Jose Calderon
Soccer, York College

Jose Calderon, a Junior LW from York College by way Ranger Community College was seriously injured in a soccer match on August 21, 2021. He was admitted to the emergency room for exams, diagnosis, and treatment. The Nebraska Greats Foundation aided Jose in meeting medical expenses not covered by insurance.

Says Calderon, “The Nebraska Greats Foundation was help from heaven, without their help I would not have been able to pay for the hospital bills. I am very grateful for the help they have given me and the assistance they gave me. They are an incredible foundation, very professional and concerned.”

Bernard Day
Bernard Day
Basketball, UNL

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.

Jeremy Fossum
Jeremy Fossum
Baseball, Doane University

Jeremy Fossum, of Bellevue, NE (Doane/Baseball) was diagnosed with an operable brain tumor. Beyond the age when he could be covered by his family health insurance, Jeremy was saddled with sizable expense from the operation and associated care. The burden was made worse by significant student loan debt as he pursues a career in physical therapy. Said Fossum, “Finding out about the tumor, I had no thoughts about the cost but then when the bills started to arrive, I became very concerned. I wasn’t sure I would have any way to pay for the health care. Glory to God, He changed my life through the NGF.”

Gerald Morris
Gerald Morris
Football, Concordia University

Gerald Morris (Concordia/Football) was seriously injured as a passenger in a spring automobile accident in Utah. His injuries required extensive surgery, rehabilitation and hospital stays. “The Nebraska Greats is a god-send to Gerald and his family. What an incredible, caring organization that literally changes peoples lives.” Said Concordia football coach Patrick Daberkow.”

Carlos Ortega
Carlos Ortega
Soccer, York College
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. “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.”
Paul Kastl
Paul Kastl
Football, UNL
The NGF is assisting Paul with past due medical expenses. Kastl, who lettered at Nebraska from 1998-2002, was a walk-on running back after a standout HS career at Lincoln Pius X. Says Kastl, “I’d like to say that I’m honored and blessed to have been introduced to the NE Greats foundation and their amazing staff. They have come to my side in a great time of need. I cannot thank them enough.”
Anthony Branch
Anthony Branch
Football, UNL
The Nebraska Greats Foundation has provided a grant to Anthony Branch, a former Husker football walk on wingback. He currently resides in the Dallas metro area. Early this month, Branch received a diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease, a form of kidney cancer. Shortly after, doctors recommended he have both kidneys removed immediately. 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. Due to this condition’s genetic nature, Branch’s children and grandchildren are unable to donate. After his football career, Branch started a career in financial services and eventually transitioned to real estate investments. For over 35 years, he coached (AAU) basketball, working with kids from third grade through high school.
Keefe Lodwig
Keefe Lodwig
Swimming, UNL
The Nebraska Greats Foundation has provided a grant to Keefe Lodwig, a former All Big 8 swimming champion from UNL. Lodwig, who starred at Omaha Benson High School in the 1960’s has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a degenerative neurological disease that progressively robs its victims of motor skills. It is commonly known as ALS or “Lou Gehrig’s disease.” While an accomplished swimmer in his youth, Lodwig shined the most as one of the world’s top Master’s Swimmers. He competed globally, setting records, and capturing gold medals well into his 70’s. ALS victims require constant medical care. The NGF is assisting Lodwig with needs as the disease progresses. “I feel lucky that I was able to be an athlete for Nebraska and I am very grateful for the help I am receiving from the Nebraska Greats Foundation.” Says Lodwig.
Keven Marques
Keven Marques
Soccer, York College
The Nebraska Greats Foundation 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.
Male Former Athlete
Male Former Athlete
The NGF assisted this former letter winner with an addiction to prescription medication. The NGF covered a deductible that allowed access to in person in patient care at a licensed facility. He is very grateful for the support of NGF donors and corporate partners but wishes to remain anonymous at this time.
Female Former Athlete
Female Former Athlete
The NGF assisted this former letter winner who is struggling with substance abuse. The NGF covered an unaffordable deductible to their health insurance policy that allowed them access to in patient services and discharge services. She is very grateful for the support of NGF donors and corporate partners but wishes to remain anonymous at this time.