By Elizabeth Gwilt
He seemed like the man who was always giving. He never imagined that someday he would be the one receiving help.
Ron Cox, a longtime youth soccer coach for Central Pasco United, has experienced firsthand what happens when a community comes together.
Ron was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last summer after having problems for more than a year. He underwent a 9.5-hour surgery and is now in the process of recovering at home. Ron is self-employed and has two sons who suffer from serious medical conditions, so the Land O’ Lakes family struggles financially.
Once news broke about Ron’s condition, families from his team, the Arsenal, sprung into action. The team has grown close as most of its players have been together for several seasons, and together they created an organization called Kickin’ In for Coach Cox!, which aids the family in whatever ways it can.
One upcoming fundraiser is a carnival and yard sale set for Saturday, Nov. 13.
The group also arranges for meals to be brought to their home four nights a week and lends a hand in cleaning up the yard. Supporters also hosted a car wash that raised proceeds for the family. A local business, Meredith Tires and Auto, even donated much-needed tires for Ron’s van.
Wendi Cummings, whose 15-year-old son has played for Ron since 2006, is a member of Kickin’ In. Cummings said that she wanted give back to the man that gave her son so much.
“Everyone loves to win. But to Ron, winning is secondary to the life lessons that can be taught through coaching sports,” she said. “He will not tolerate poor sportsmanship and he emphasizes hard work, playing together as a team, and always supporting your teammates.”
According to Cummings, on several occasions referees have come up to the team after a game to commend them on playing with so much class. “We attribute this to coach Ron. He is kind and giving and he coaches soccer because he truly loves it. He genuinely cares for each and every one of his players.”
Her son, Cody Cummings, certainly feels that way. “[Ron] is awesome, a good person and a great coach,” he said. “When he coaches, it’s not all about winning. It’s about doing your best and learning something new. He has taught me not to let people (opposing players) get under my skin. When a team keeps playing dirty, we should keep playing our game and not start playing theirs.”
Amye Cox, Ron’s wife, called her husband an inspiring figure. “He is such a positive person in everything he does. That positivity is contagious; his attitude keeps me going.”
Between doctor’s appointments, soccer practice and a full-time job, Cummings is strapped for time and money. That’s where the organization steps in.
Outside the Cox home is a basket where friends can drop off necessities without intruding. “They drop off things that you forget about, like paper towels and toothpaste. I say that the ‘Basket Fairy’ visits me,” Amye said.
Pizza on Friday nights was a tradition the family had to discontinue, but now Kickin’ In provides pies every week. “I know it’s a small thing, but it’s just something that maintains the normalcy in this difficult time. It’s things like pizza on Fridays that keeps us sane,” Amye said.
Amye said Ron is feeling better and he is expected to make a full recovery in as little as six months. He continues to go to soccer practices on Mondays and Wednesdays; he brings a chair and cheers on his team like always.
The Cox family said that they can’t effectively express their gratitude to all those who helped during a complicated time in their lives.
“These people came into the picture at the right time; we were praying on our knees for help. They’re our angels,” Amye said.
Amye said recent events in their lives have touched more than just their family.
“I think everyone involved has walked away with a life lesson. Wouldn’t the world be so much better if people came together in communities like they did in ours? I hope Ron’s story doesn’t get an ‘Oh, how nice’ reaction. I want people to think that it’s worthy of emulation,” she said.
Amye hopes that her family’s story will spark other people to reach out. “I truly believe that everyone’s love and prayers that have been put forth are helping Ron heal. I just want people to realize that they shouldn’t wait around for a call for help. It won’t come. Reach out to your friends and neighbors; you’ll never know how thankful they will be.”
Yard Sale and Carnival
To benefit Kickin’ In for coach Cox
Saturday, Nov. 13, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Harvester United Methodist Church
2432 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
Will feature inflatable bounce houses, face painting and crafts
