Support Coach Lee Reinke's Fight Against Cancer

The leader of Phoenix golf and one of the most amazing, humble, inspirational people you will ever meet is battling cancer. Coach Lee Reinke is in his 10th year leading Phoenix men’s and women’s golf and has elevated both programs to a new level, including being named the 2023 Horizon League Coach of the Year after leading the Phoenix women to their first ever Horizon League Championship. Lee grew up in Brillion, was an all-star athlete at Wisconsin Lutheran College, and is married to his high school sweetheart Beth. The Reinke’s have 3 adult children, Ryan, Seth, and Megan. Lee has quietly fought cancer for the past couple of years and he needs our help more than ever. He is currently undergoing radiation treatment after recently finishing chemotherapy. Lee has been in immense pain for quite some time and has battled like a true warrior – never complaining and never wanting the spotlight on him. He will be going to Milwaukee in mid-January for CAR T-cell therapy infusion – a treatment that will require him to be no further than 20 minutes from the hospital all times for a month. Lee has given so much to so many over the years, impacting countless individuals on the golf course, and in many different organizations throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Let’s help Lee and his family in this fight – to show him how loved and appreciated he is and that all of this region is behind him, praying for him every step of the way. Obviously this fight has caused financial strain on the Reinke’s – the medical bills, countless trips to Milwaukee, and now having to live in Milwaukee area for a month while undergoing treatment. Lee’s goal is to be healthy and ready to lead his golf teams on a once-in-a-lifetime spring trip to Ireland in mid-March. Let’s help him reach that goal and take the financial burden off this amazing family’s shoulders in this very difficult time. Thank you!

Article from Wisconsin Golf:

https://www.wisconsin.golf/19th_hole/gary_d_amato/it-picked-the-wrong-guy-uw-green-bay-golf-coach-lee-reinke-beat-cancer-before/article_e62a2662-81ad-11ef-8cc4-07a761626204.html

Upcoming treatment for Lee in January:

CAR T-cell therapy

Collecting the T cells

First, white blood cells (which include T cells) are removed from my blood – this takes 2-3 hours and the blood is removed through one line, the white blood cells are separated out, and then the blood is put back through another line. During this process the calcium levels can drop causing numbness or muscle spasms.

Making the CAR T cells

After the white cells are removed, the T cells are separated, sent to the lab, and altered by adding the gene for the specific CAR (chimeric antigen receptor). These cells are then grown and multiplied in the lab which can take several weeks to make the large number of CAR T cells needed for the infusion.

CAR T-cell infusion

Before the CAR T cells are given back to me I will be given 3-4 days of chemo to lower the number of other immune cells which will give the CAR T cells a better chance to get activated and fight the cancer. Once the CAR T cells start binding with cancer cells, they start to increase in number and can help destroy even more cancer cells.

CAR T-cell therapy side effects

CAR T-cell therapy can be very effective, but it can also cause serious or even life-threatening side effects. Because of this, it needs to be given in a medical center that is specially trained in its use, and I need to be watched closely for several weeks after getting the CAR T cells. Therefore, the reason I need to stay within 20 minutes of the hospital in case something goes wrong they can treat me accordingly.

As the CAR T cells multiply, they can release large amounts of chemicals called cytokines in the blood, which can ramp up the immune system. Side effects can include:

1. High fever and chills

2. Trouble breathing

3. Severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

4. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

5. Headaches