Join Team McCue and Help Willy

My name is Joseph Trongone. Many of you know me as Clarkstown High School North’s football coach. For four years it was my privilege to coach Willy McCue, CHSN class of 2016. Two weeks ago I learned that Willy had contracted flu and had been hospitalized. Due to secondary complications, Willy is critically ill in the intensive care unit at Montefiore Hospital. At nineteen,  Willy is fighting to overcome the devastating impacts flu can have on a person who has no underlying medical conditions. Willy played for CHSN with grit and an indomitable spirit that was unparalleled. Just as he showed his opponents on the field during his varsity days, Willy is unrelenting, determined to defeat the medical challenges that he is presently facing.

All successful teams realize that it is the contributions of each member that will result in a victory. Willy needs the support of a team to bring him home and return him to the robust health he possessed before the flu struck. Our community and his family are that team. His father Will, sister Erika, and immediate family are at the hospital around the clock to manage his medical care and provide him with love and support to sustain his spirit. They have been touched by the deluge of emails, texts, prayers, phone calls and food from friends and neighbors who are very concerned about his illness. Given the nature of Willy’s illness, he is being kept in isolation so he is not exposed to any other pathogens. Knowing they are not alone in this fight gives them strength to continue the vigil in the hospital and faith for a full recovery.

Will and Erika shall be by Willy’s bedside for an unknown period of time. When he does come home, Willy certainly will require ongoing medical care. Many people have asked how they can be supportive of Willy and his amazing family during this medical crisis. At this time, they are practically living at the hospital and they cannot take full advantage of meals and food donated or offered. Donating to Team McCue will ensure that the family can provide for any uncovered medical expenses, any unexpected costs that arise through travel and caregiving an hour from home, and the eventual homecare Willy will need while he is recovering. Every cent will go towards Willy’s journey to recovery. Together we can help Willy heal so he can return to college, return to volunteering with the New City Fire Department, and return to the healthy, vibrant young man he was just a few weeks ago. Regular updates will be provided through this site. Please donate to Team McCue today to show support for this incredible young man and his family.