Jim Tracy has been a big part of many runners’ lives. He has recently been diagnosed with ALS (a serious neurological disease) and we will all do our part to show him how much he means to us and to support him in whatever way possible.
Exciting Announcement - June 8th, 2011
Today we have great news to share: we have found a long term housing solution for Coach Jim Tracy.
Through Carlyn Hunter, we had put Jim on a wait list for an ADA rehabilitated unit in the Presidio. Jim was #2 on that wait list. On May 31st, we were informed that a unit would be made available on June 2nd. When the #1 person passed, we got the call and accepted the unit.
The unit is 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and is in the Quarry section of the Presidio at the base of Portola just 2/10ths of a mile from Paul Goode Field. His runners will know it as they often run intervals in that area. It is a ground floor unit with no steps and has other ADA features that will be important over time.
With about $50,000 in the Special Needs Trust currently, we feel comfortable that we are capable of covering the rent, utilities and his other costs of living through the next school year. As Jim has led a nomadic lifestyle, our next challenge will be to furnish and appoint his apartment. Mary Beth Todd has worked with Jim to develop a list of items, both big and small, that Jim needs in order to be comfortable in his new apartment—click here, or on the link below, to see our current list of needs. If you can provide any of the items on this list, please contact Mary Beth at MaryBeth.Todd@sfuhs.org or 415-447-3143. The list will be updated daily or as needed.
Jim’s move-in date is June 19th. We hope to have a lot of the needed items in hand or available to be delivered on that day. Additionally, if you are available to help move items, please contact Mary Beth Todd.
We should also add this update on Jim’s health. He is getting weaker—but, thankfully, the disease has not yet affected his respiratory system or his facial muscles affecting his speech. He is pretty much resting all day to save energy for his 3 hour period of practice activity each afternoon and that is different than was the case in the fall. While the ALS is progressing as the doctors have predicted, it is on the slower end of the expected pattern—I am sure that Jim’s level of physical condition and his connectedness to coaching are positive contributing factors.
Finally, on a great note, Jim is planning on coaching XC this Fall! We know the kids are all very much hoping that he would be with them. We are lucky to have a great set of assistant coaches to support Jim and the team as well.
Thank you all for your wonderful support of Coach Tracy.
Trustees: Jim Ketcham, Sue Davenport
Special Needs Trust Organizing Committee: Meridee Moore, Diane Rice and Kat Taylor
Link to Current Needs for Coach Tracy:
http://www.sfuhs.org/uploaded/documents/athletics/Apartment_need_for_JT.pdf
Additionally, to make a donation to the special needs trust that have been established for Jim Tracy, please send your check as follows:
Payable to: Jim Tracy Special Needs Trust
Mail to:
University High School
Attn: Sue Davenport
3065 Jackson Street
San Francisco, CA
94115
For more information on the Special Needs Trust and how you can help, please go to the Get Involved page.
