LA Tech sets up foundation account for Dancy
RUSTON, La. – Since Monday’s announcement that Louisiana Tech sophomore running back Jaqwis Dancy was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma earlier this month, University officials have been overwhelmed by the generosity of supporters wanting to help the young man.
The 19-year-old Dancy, who was a former standout at Junction City, is currently at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis undergoing his first week of treatment.
Louisiana Tech Athletics Director Tommy McClelland said that although there is a need for some financial help, it’s not a catastrophic one due to the unbelievable support of St. Jude.
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
However, LA Tech athletics plans to help Jaqwis with other related expenses, such as additional tutor-
ing and academic supplies, nutritional supplements and anything he may need to help keep his immune system healthy during and after chemotherapy.
In order for supporters to help while also staying within NCAA guidelines for student-athlete eligibility, the University has set up an account at the Louisiana Tech Foundation (MEMO: Jaqwis Dancy).
This will allow anyone wishing to help financially do so without putting Dancy’s eligibility at risk.
“We are so grateful for all those who have expressed a desire to help during this difficult time,” said McClelland. “However, it is so important to remember that even in these types of situations, we must follow the NCAA’s rules and guidelines. This is why we are setting up an account with the Louisiana Tech Foundation to help over the length of Jaqwis’ treatment and recovery.
“The bulk of expenses will be covered through medical insurance and the amazing support of St. Jude.
However, there will be some additional expenses that NCAA guidelines will allow us to assist with, so fan support is appreciated.”
Fans are reminded that per NCAA guidelines, no direct support can be provided to Dancy or his family by Louisiana Tech supporters (this includes donating accounts).
The only way to provide financial support that is allowable by the NCAA is to donate to the Louisiana Tech Foundation – MEMO: Jaqwis Dancy.
Fans can do this by contacting Tyson Baldwin at the Louisiana Tech University Foundation at (318) 255-7950, or by mailing their donation to: Marbury Alumni Center, Louisiana Tech University, PO Box 3183, Ruston, La. 71272.
Fans are also reminded that they can send messages to Jaqwis through Twitter by using the hashtag #Dogs4Dancy or by leaving a message at Facebook. com/LATechAthletics. to GoFundMe