Mariann, wife of Pete Tierney

“Thank you, Teammates 4 Life, for being there for us during the most difficult time of our lives. My dear husband Peter’s FDU basketball teammates and players he coached in the ‘70s were very special to him, and he remained in close contact with many of them over all these years. They were his family, his brothers, and they certainly had his back until the end. When Peter got the devastating diagnosis of stage IV pancreatic cancer in January of 2016, his FDU family was right there to lend support, literally, right in our living room, a group of giant men, former basketball players, like guardian angels to the rescue. I know how touched Peter was that day, and their comforting presence and optimism made him even more determined to take on and fight this horrible disease the way he played and coached basketball - with a ferocious tenacity and a never-five-up, fight-to-the-end-and-win spirit. This act of brotherhood, kindness, and love on behalf of the Teammates 4 Life Foundation was just the start of so many others during the two years that Peter fought his brave battle, and he never felt alone. The support and encouragement that Peter received from Teammates 4 Life was truly amazing. Often his “brothers” would visit, sharing an afternoon golf game with him followed by dinner, a few glasses of wine, and lots of laughs. During precious good times like these with his “family” it seemed unfathomable that Peter was even sick. Other times, when Peter wasn’t feeling so well, a teammate would pay a quiet visit just to be there with him and talk about life. Peter always looked forward to receiving his weekly “it’s for the birds” cartoon, a humorous hand drawn comic series depicting several blackbirds sitting on a telephone wire and their witty conversations, jokes, and comical observations of humans. Created by a very special teammate, they gave Peter many a good laugh - he saved every single cartoon and would hang the newest one on our kitchen cabinet each week. Sent along with beautiful inspirational thought cards, they helped brighten his days and give him strength to fight on. Teammates 4 Life also kept Peter’s spirits up with frequent phone calls, and it was so heartwarming to hear his laughter and see the smiles those conversations brought to his face. The beautiful flowers and wonderful care packages sent by Teammates 4 Life were vey useful and always much appreciated as well. As impossible as it seemed, Peter lost his battle to cancer on December 28, 2017. No words can describe the sadness and terrible loss we feel to this day. Yes, during the hardest time of our lives, Teammates 4 Life was there, not only for Peter, but for all of us. With much love and appreciation, Teammates 4 Life, we thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.”

Geralyn, wife of Rich Conrad

“When Rich was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2016, he attacked it head on from day one.  Teammates 4 Life was right there in the fight with him.  Whether it was a daily call just to talk, or visits to lift his spirits with memories of their playing days, they were in the fight with him the whole time.  My son and I are forever grateful to Teammates 4 Life for making Rich’s battle a little easier.”