Brown U. volleyball team honors coach’s brother

By Samantha Fenlon

sfenlon@abc6.com

Brown volleyball coach Diane Short hugs her brother Gene Garceau ahead of Friday’s game aptly titled the ‘Spike ALS Match’ to raise funds for the disease. 

"What I would want the public to know is that while ALS reeks havoc on the body, the mind stays in tact,” said Garceau. 

Coach Short is all too familiar with the struggle her brother is going through. Her mother and aunt both died with the disease. 

"To see three of my favorite people get this disease is tough,” said Short. “You certainly want to help. And, when you ask people to help they just do help."

Team members recognized Garceau prior to the start of the game, bringing him roses as they were introduced. 

Garceau addressed the crowd with an assisted-speaking machine after the game ended. 

He tells us he is incredibly pleased with the event, saying awareness is key to finding a cure. 

He was diagnosed last December and says he’s choosing to live his now altered life filled with optimism. 

"I don’t want to bring people down when they’re around me. I would rather them laugh with me and be happy,” said Garceau. 

The team has already raised just under $5,000. For more info visit: http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/3rdParty/RhodeIsland?team_id=349738&pg=team&fr_id=11959

(C) WLNE-TV 2016