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Manny Blanco, the coach of the boys varsity soccer team at Spackenkill High School, is battling Stage 3 pancreatic cancer and a group of friends is raising funds to help cover medical and living expenses, said a GoFundMe account.
In addition to coaching at Spackenkill, Blanco also coaches the girl's travel soccer teams in Rhinebeck and Poughkeepsie, Wendy McClenahan, the organizer of a GoFundMe page said.
"Manny has taught so many of our kids the value of great sportsmanship and the important life lessons of being a humble winner and a respectable loser," McClenahan said.
Blanco is also described as being kind and compassionate and has helped many kids by inspiring them during their own battles.
He has had surgery and will need chemotherapy soon, the page said.
"Blanco and his wife Lisa have a long, tough road ahead of them," McClenahan said. "I am asking that you consider donating to help cover medical costs, unpaid medical leaves and other mounting bills."
The group is attempting to raise $20,000. To date, almost $14,000 has been raised.
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