Being in the hospital for surgery isn’t something new for former Bridgeport High School assistant soccer Coach Joey Rogers. As an individual who deals with spinal stenosis, he’s undergone the knife several times.

 

Earlier this year was no different. For the fourth time, he went in for what he called “routine” neck fusion surgery. It’s something he’s done before and has bounced back from it rather quickly on each occasion. This time, however, things were different for the 39-year-old.

 

“With my condition my neck is compromised, leading to the surgeries,” said Rogers. “I go to Ohio for the surgery because I taught in Columbus for years and I usually have outpatient surgery. This time, the doctor made me stay. He said my anatomy was odd when he was working inside of me.”

 

Eventually, Rogers was home. He anticipated a healing period of about a week or so before the pain would subside. It didn’t. Three weeks later, he was still in pain. It got to the point a phone call was made to his neurosurgeon, William R. Zerick, and that led to Rogers eventually being admitted to help regulate the pain and discomfort.

 

Things were about to get worse for the 1997 Robert C. Byrd graduate and Clarksburg resident during the phone call. Zerick, whom Rogers said has performed hundreds of surgeries like his, had tested a lymph node that didn’t look right and he didn’t like how it was located.

 

“He’s done that before, but I think this was the first time he ever had to tell someone what he had to tell me,” said Rogers.

 

What he told Rogers was that he had cancer. He was diagnosed with Stage 3, or perhaps even Stage 4, thyroid cancer. Rogers said the cancer was localized, but had metastasized into his lymph nodes. He returned to Ohio for evaluation and in recent days he’s found out the next step on his journey.

 

In a little less than four weeks, on Sept. 19 to be exact, he’ll be back in Ohio to see an endocrinologist in Ohio. After that, he’ll meet with an oncologist to determine the plan of attack. Until then, Rogers says he’s going to keep life as normal as he can despite limitations his diagnosis has forced.

 

“I’m tired and I’m in a lot of pain for my neck. Honestly, it feels like I’ve got a really bad sore throat and it’s impacting things like smell and taste and my voice,” said Rogers. “Other than that I feel pretty good. A lot of the reason for that is hearing from people and the outpouring of support from my family, from my long-time friends and the friends I’ve made through my five years of being a coach at Bridgeport before I stepped down this year (which was done before the diagnosis).”

 

One of those individuals at Bridgeport fit two of the aforementioned categories. He’s a soccer friend from Bridgeport and a long-time friend – and one of the family variety. Current BHS Soccer Coach Danny Hamrick has known Rogers his entire life as he worked with his father Jimmy Rogers; both as members of the Clarksburg Fire Department.

 

“I was floored when I heard it and I just kept thinking what he and his family had to be going through. One thing that eased my mind a little was knowing how close their family is and that helps a lot,” said Hamrick. “I’ve lost sleep thinking about him because he’s a good guy, a special person. I also know he’s a strong guy and if someone’s going to beat this then it’s him. I know I’m keeping tabs on him and our team is as well.”

 

Anyone who doesn’t think that’s the case wasn’t at Bridgeport’s opening game win against Class AAA Parkersburg at Wayne Jamison Field. Rogers, a soccer junkie who played at Robert C. Byrd and loved to beat the Indians and anyone lined up against them, decided to take in the game for a little soccer therapy.

 

“I tried to be discrete so the kids could focus on the game, but some of the kids came over and talked to me. When they scored, they pointed up to the press box where I was watching the game with (another former assistant coach) J.D. (Lister),” said Rogers. “What can you say about that? They treated me like family since I got here and that continued at that game and after it. Those kids have provided some of the best times of my life and that moment added to it.”

 

The next day, senior Brock Oliverio was quoted in the media as saying he scored both goals in honor of Rogers. Needless to say, the 2002 Marshall graduate with a degree in sports management and marketing, was moved by that and what happened after the win.

 

“Everyone hopped the fence to talk to me. I guess I looked like was coaching again, but I kept it lighthearted by making fun of my voice,” said Rogers. “To read that I was added motivation in a big win and the team wanted to do good for me means a lot. They were always with me before and I know they’re with me now.”

 

If they’re motivated by Rogers and playing the season for him, then there’s some good news. They can expect to see him in attendance at more games at Wayne Jamison Field and a few other local ones as well.

 

“It was great. Until I can’t do it anymore or until I’m in treatment, I’ll be going to watch those kids,” said Rogers. “I’m trying to keep everything as normal as possible.”

 

That’s fine with Hamrick. He likes seeing his friend and former coach and he knows what it means to Joey and what it means to this year’s team.

 

“They’ve dedicated the season to him. If you would have seen the reaction when they saw him you would know what he means to the team. The kids love him and want him to get well,” said Hamrick.

 

As for Rogers, staying inactive in comparison to his regular lifestyle is the most troubling part along with the pain. However, he’s still working on earning his degree on-line.

 

“I’m halfway through earning my Master’s Degree in Special Education from Fairmont State University. I’m not going to milk this with the advisors I’m working with. I’m going to earn it,” said Rogers. “I want that piece of paper. No matter how this turns out, I know you can’t stop living. I’ve seen it before.”

 

Rogers was referring to a close friend. He talked about a man he’s known for a long time who recently passed away from cancer. He said his friend was in Stage 4 of his cancer for eight years.

 

“He was upbeat and nearly beat it. That’s the example I was given on how to deal with life in this situation and I need to do that and I’m going to do that,” said Rogers. “I’ve told the kids on the team to keep their heads up and I have to look at it the same way. I’ve got to fight through this.

 

“I have the support of my family. My wife Jennifer, an absolute angel, has been amazing through this,” Rogers continued. “I haven’t had a reason beyond the diagnosis to be negative about this. I’ll get treatment from chemotherapy and radiation and I’ll fight through it. That’s all I need.”

 

Of course, when asked if there was anything else needed, Rogers said there wasn’t. As anyone who has been involved in a similar situation, they know that even with good insurance or a good financial background, money becomes an issue.

 

Because of that, a gofundme page has been started. The goal is to raise $10,000 to help out. In the first 12 days, nearly 70 percent of that goal was reached.

 

As I occasionally do in these blogs, I ask the community to step up and help. If you know Joey, if you know of him, like people who work with kids or you can trust me when I tell you he’s one of the good guys, visit the page by clicking HERE.

 

Usually, I do ask for people to step up. Since he’s involved with soccer, I’m going to ask Bridgeport, the surrounding communities and beyond to kick in. I can assure you before he even would see your donation he and his family would appreciate it.

 

You got this Joey.