Community Rallies For Woodbridge Soccer Coach With Cancer

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — The Woodbridge community is rallying behind a local youth soccer coach who has been diagnosed with cancer.

"If you have played soccer in Woodbridge Township at some point in the past 20 years, your path has likely crossed with Chuck Kist," read a GoFundMe page that was set up for him and his children. "Coach Chuck has been involved in many different ways through the years and his contributions have helped soccer become the most popular youth sport in Woodbridge Township."

The GoFundMe was created by Patty Rodrigues, who said Kist coached her two children for the past 12 years.

"I am starting this page as a way of trying to give back to someone who has given us all so much," she wrote. "Recently, Chuck was diagnosed with cancer and it's time for us to help him. Chuck — who never asks for anything — is an amazing son, father, grandfather, friend and coach. But most importantly, he is a good guy. It might not sound like much, but it's one of the highest compliments you can give someone. He is someone who is always willing to help."

The money will go to Kist and his children.

Rodrigues also started this second online fundraiser, Love for Coach Chuck Kist, on GiveInKind. That page is asking for gift card donations to his and his children's favorite stores.

"Coach Chuck helped coach and support several of our youth today no matter how young, old, new or returning players. His passion and love for the sport has inspired our athletes to be and do better. Today, he and his family need our help," the Woodbridge Stars Travel Soccer team posted to their Facebook page on Feb. 8.

Here is the GoFundMe: https://gf.me/v/c/73x4/Chuckkist

And the GiveInKind: https://www.giveinkind.com/ink...