Let’s Help Peter Thompson on his Feet! organized by DeeAnn Dougherty

This is what DeeAnn Dougherty wrote:

“My friend Peter Thompson needs our support. Peter is well known in the track and field/athletics world, both as a coach and an educator. For the past 54 years, he has worked all over the USA and the world with athletes of every age and level of performance, from coaching beginning athletes and runners to Olympians. From the outset, he has additionally given his time to the education and development of other coaches, using innovative and cutting-edge practices and only those training methods that are natural, moral, and ethically accepted. Peter has given so much of himself and his time to others, professionally and as a volunteer, and now, because of his medical and financial situation, he needs our assistance.

Peter has not been able to work due to a recent month-long hospitalization and is currently scheduled to see his orthopedist in mid-February about having a long-needed hip replacement surgery. He is unable to coach or teach due to his limited hip mobility and has a long but promising recovery ahead of him. Peter has no other source of income, and lost his home in Eugene, Oregon in November, while hospitalized, due to water damage.

Coaches don’t go into it for the money. It’s more about the relationships and deep bonds that are formed when working together towards a shared goal. I met Peter in 1977 at the first cross-country practice of my sophomore year at college, and he has been a close friend ever since. As a coach, he helped me achieve my running goals, then served as a mentor and role model for me in coaching, as well as in life. I don’t think I am alone in wanting to support Peter after all he has done for me.

Please donate if you can – no amount is too small. All funds will go directly to Peter and allow him to support himself during rehab and pay his living expenses until he is able to return to work. Whether you are a friend of Peter’s, a former colleague or athlete or student of his, or you had a coach that made a difference in your own life, please donate so that we can help Peter get back on his feet, coaching and teaching again. Thank you for your support.”