Mesothelioma patient and former football coach still keeps up with the team
Bill Behymer of Quincy, Illinois used to coach junior high school football. Now that he’s been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, he still keeps up with the Quincy High School football team, the same boys who had been on his junior high team. Behymer told his team they could win the Western Big Six Conference championship some year, and they’re still trying.
Behymer tries to maintain a normal routine despite the aggressive nature of his illness. Mesothelioma hasn’t been able to keep the former coach from attending football games in his wheelchair. At one recent game, the players stopped to shake his hand on their way to the locker room, a gesture that made him tear up.
The football players were inspired by Behymer, who convinced him that they could win. They haven’t forgotten that he was the coach who taught them that they could be successful.
For the full story, go to Quincy Herald Whig.
