The heart and soul of Nelson Youth Soccer has been diagnosed with cancer.
NYS president Kerry Dyck has been told he has stage four lung cancer that has also spread to his brain. Dyck has been working with the Nelson’s largest sports organization for nearly a decade, and is the longest serving member of the current board.
Executive director Sveta Tisma said the news this summer came as a surprise to everyone considering how healthy Dyck appeared to be.
“I think it was a routine check-up, he was coughing,” said Tisma. “They just wanted to check his lungs and that’s when they discovered it. I didn’t suspect anything serious, he just said he was going for a check-up and that came back. It was a shock. He’s a healthy, young-ish individual.”
Tisma and NYS are currently organizing a tournament set for Oct. 7 at Lakeside Park to raise money for the Dyck family. The event is for co-ed teams, eight versus eight on a half field. Players 17 and up will be divided among the teams.
Donations will also be accepted at the field, concessions profits will be given to the family, and more donations can be made during the after party at Jackson’s Hole.
Tisma said Dyck has been a diplomatic presence on the board.
“Kerry’s known for never giving up and making things work,” said Tisma. “He’s really known for that. He always finds solutions and he was relentless trying to make all sides involved happy. He would never take no for an answer and always looks for solutions.
“That’s what I’ve noticed is his strong suit. He’s always going to find a way to make it work. In that respect, not many people are like that. Most people just takes sides. Very unique individual.”
Players can register to play for $25 online at nys.ca. A gofundme has also been set up for the Dyck family.
Anyone interested in donating can visit https://www.gofundme.com/kerry-dyck-medical-care-assistance.