Medical Fundraiser for Don "Sme" Papich

Don Papich: Cornell Class of 1977, Chi Psi Fraternity and Captain of Cornell’s 1976 Varsity Football Team.

We all knew Don as a tenacious competitor on the football field. Hence the nickname Smear or the abbreviated version "Sme!" Off the field a true gentle giant that would give you the shirt off his back. Always very giving, never asking for anything in return. On Thanksgiving day, JC Henry and Dave Monahan called Don together from Hawaii only to learn he is dealing with very serious health issues. Don has dealt with serious back issues for a long time that originated from playing football and which ultimately forced him to retire in 2021. Recently Don has been diagnosed as well with COPD. As a result, he has had to move from Hawaii but fortunately has been invited to move in with his brother in San Antonio Texas.

Don didn't say so but we recognized that the cost of providing the health care he needs is going to be well beyond his financial means. Dave and JC decided they needed to do something to help a dear friend who is too proud to ask for help.

Don’s career in construction, working for several developers over the years, has left him with no pension or retirement account. He is managing his social security payments, month to month. Without assistance, he will be unable to adequately afford the special timely treatments needed.

COPD is a progressive disease of the lungs that gets worse over time but is treatable if caught early, prior to transitioning into Emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Friends of Don are initiating this request for contributions to help improve the quality of his life. Our goal is to raise $250,000 by March 31, 2021.

Please contribute whatever you can at this time, and/or forward this request to others who could contribute to this near-time financial need.

Don - we love you, brother! Happy holidays to all.

Dave Monahan, JC Henry, Dan Leonard & Charlie Schlumberger